Zimbabwe Abolishes Death Penalty for Ordinary Circumstances

Zimbabwe Abolishes Death Penalty for Ordinary Circumstances

President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed into law a bill to abolish death penalty for ordinary circumstances.

Reacting to the news on the signing of the Death Penalty Abolition Bill into law, Amnesty International Zimbabwe’s Executive Director, Lucia Masuka, said:

“Amnesty International applauds Zimbabwe’s decision to abolish the death penalty for all crimes, but regrets the possibility of its reinstatement during state of emergency under the Defence Act.  

“This is not just great progress for Zimbabwe, it is also a beacon of hope for the abolitionist movement in the region, and a major milestone in the global collective pursuit for an end to this ultimate cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment.  

“By enacting the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, Zimbabwe has taken a major step towards aligning its laws with international human rights standards. Its actions also send a clear message about the fundamental importance of protecting the right to life and human dignity.”

Zimbabwe Abolishes Death Penalty for Ordinary Circumstances

Meanwhile…

A 16-year-old girl has been arrested for the murder of her adult boyfriend on New Year's Day in Modimolle, Limpopo.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Stephen Thakeng, the 24-year-old deceased saw his girlfriend near an unknown male person, and in a jealous rage, assaulted her.

The 16-year-old teenager managed to flee, but the boyfriend followed her and continued assaulting her.

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“She drew a knife from her bag and stabbed her boyfriend, who sustained serious injuries. He walked towards his home but succumbed to stab wounds at the corner of Moloantoa and Selemela in an open field at Modimolle,” Thakeng said.

He added that the deceased was found by his friend at the scene, and he was certified dead by paramedics on arrival.