Story by Theophilus Chuma
THE abolishment of the death penalty has been described as an important milestone in ending a cruel and inhumane punishment introduced during the colonial era.
Legal experts and human rights organisations have applauded the abolishment of the death penalty announced this Tuesday, saying it erases a long standing degrading form of punishment.
“I think this is a good position for our justice delivery system. It’s a historic moment for the country and we applaud authorities for taking a bold step to join global nations that have implemented this position,” said legal expert, Ms Michelle Gonhi.
For many years, conversations pushing for the scrapping of the death penalty stretched from the political to social spaces.
Mr Peter Churu is one of the prominent voices that pushed for the scrapping of the death penalty and describes the latest measure as an important milestone in the history of the country.
He said, “We are extremely happy and overjoyed that the death penalty has finally been scrapped. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has really ushered us into the future by taking this huge step. History will remember this moment because it takes away a colonial system that had dominated for many decades.”
Reacting to the latest position by Zimbabwe, Amnesty International Zimbabwe described the abolishment of the death penalty as an historic development.
On their official page, Amnesty International Zimbabwe Executive Director, Ms Lucia Masuka stated “This is not just great progress for Zimbabwe, it is also a beacon of hope for the abolitionist movement in the region.”
