Zimbabwe Abolishes Death Penalty

Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty, marking a significant milestone in the country’s human rights record.

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The Death Penalty Abolition Act came into effect on 30 December 2024, following its passage through Parliament and assent by the President.

The abolition is the culmination of a private member’s bill introduced by opposition MP Edwin Mushoriwa in 2023.

The Act amends various sections of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, the Genocide Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, and the Geneva Conventions Act to remove provisions for capital punishment.
Prisoners currently on death row will now be resentenced.

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The Act provides for these prisoners to be brought before the High Court for fresh sentencing, taking into account the nature of their offences, their personal circumstances, the interests of society, and the length of time they have spent under the sentence of death.

Global Context
Zimbabwe joins a growing number of countries that have abolished the death penalty.

According to Amnesty International, 112 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes, while 7 others have abolished it for ordinary crimes.

In Africa, 25 countries have abolished the death penalty, while 20 others retain it. Zimbabwe’s decision to abolish capital punishment represents a significant step towards greater respect for human rights in the region.

The abolition of the death penalty has been welcomed by human rights organisations and advocates, who have long campaigned for its removal.

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They argue that the death penalty is a violation of the right to life and is often applied unfairly and disproportionately against marginalised groups.