The landmark development towards Zimbabwe eventually scrapping the death penalty from its statutes comes soon after the country joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the World Day Against the Death Penalty amid calls for the legislature to expedite the process.

 

In a note to stakeholders, legal think tank, Veritas which has been monitoring progress of the Bill, said the Bill with amendments was referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC) and if it elicits a non-adverse report, it will be read for the third time and sent to the
Senate.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), 170 States have abolished the death penalty, introduced a moratorium, either in law or in practice or have ceased executions for more than 10 years with Zimbabwe falling under the last category.

The Death Penalty Abolishment Bill was introduced as a Private Member’s Bill last year. It attracted a lot of support including from the Executive, resulting in it being adopted by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs as a government Bill in May this year.

But the law-making process experienced some delays and setbacks through the recall of opposition Members of Parliament and an adverse report from the Parliamentary Legal Committee, until pressure grew after public hearings and the Executive’s support for the Bill.

This prompted Veritas to express concern and call on the government to remain committed to abolishing the death penalty.

“While the prospect of abolishing the death penalty in Zimbabwe is encouraging, it is crucial that the government’s commitment to this goal remains unwavering and unaffected by political considerations. Any progress towards abolition must be substantive and not merely symbolic. As we proceed towards abolition, the government should not enact new
laws, such as Section 22A of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform)
Amendment Act, which appear to reinstate the death penalty for certain crimes,” said the legal think tank in a post to stakeholders.

Last year saw the abolishment of the death penalty in Equatorial Guinea and Zambia, while Ghana abolished it for all crimes except high treason as the momentum for the abolishment of the death penalty in sub-Saharan Africa picks up pace. Several other countries that include Liberia, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad and DRC are at different stages of abolishing
the death penalty.

Proponents of the abolishment of the death penalty contend that it does not deter crime but undermines human dignity and disproportionately targets marginalised groups, exacerbating social and economic disparities.

It also does not recognise the agony of its hidden victims – the families of accused persons and to create safer, more equitable communities, States and other responsible authorities must address the root causes of crime and violence, and prioritise the well-being of all
individuals.

New Ziana