(News of the South) HARARE -In line with the international human rights obligations Government has shown commitment towards abolishing death penalty by removing 34 inmates from death row, giving them life sentences.
The moratorium on execution will pave way for the total abolition of the death penalty, according to a paper presented on behalf of Minister Ziyambi by a senior ministry official, Mr Charles Manhiri, at the Zimbabwe Staff College yesterday.
Government is in the process of implementing strategies and policies aimed at abolishing the death penalty.
Minister Ziyambi said his ministry was waiting for Cabinet to approve its recommendations on the death penalty.
“Should Cabinet approve the ministry’s recommendation to abolish the death penalty, the constitutional provision which permits the imposition of the death penalty will be subsequently amended,” said Minister Ziyambi.
He said Government has not executed inmates on death row for over a decade now. The last execution was carried out in July 2005. Executed then were notorious armed robbers Steven Chidumo and Edmund Masendeke.
Minister Ziyambi said his ministry on several occasions requested Cabinet to consider the granting of clemency on those sentenced to death. This has seen the sentences being commuted to life imprisonment.
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