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ZIMBABWE: MINISTER OPPOSES DEATH PENALTY
October 10, 2013: In Zimbabwe, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa says he will use his term to fight for the abolishment of the death penalty, describing the practice as colonial and inhuman.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Day Against the Death Penalty in Harare, Cde Mnangagwa said the death penalty is a violation of the right to life and a diabolic colonial punishment which he will fight till it is abolished.
“I am a strong proponent of the abolishment of the death sentence and it is unfortunate that up to now we uphold it. I removed six provisions out of nine the first time I was Justice Minister and will lobby for the total removal of the sentence,” said Cde Mnangagwa.
Amnesty International Zimbabwe Executive Director, Mr Cousin Zilala expressed dismay at the missed opportunity to abolish the death penalty during the constitution making process, saying the provisions of the new constitution are not enough to observe the right to life.
“Retaining the death sentence in the new constitution albeit the provisions is not enough. We hope to steer the country towards joining the global trends of abolition. The penalty won’t stop violence and the loss of another life after another tragic loss is not justice,” Zilala said.
This year’s World Day Against the Death Penalty is the 11th edition and comes when most member states in the SADC region including Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa have abolished the death sentence.
Zimbabwe still upholds it with provisions for deferment for offenders under the age of 21 and exempting all women. (Sources: zbc.co.zw, 10/10/2013)
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