Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has granted 4 305 prisoners amnesty as part of efforts to promote restorative justice and decongest the country’s correctional facilities.
He proclaimed Clemency Order No. 1 of 2026 after exercising his Executive Prerogative of Mercy in terms of Section 112 (1)(a) and (d) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Announcing the development, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the clemency showed the Government’s commitment to compassion, rehabilitation and correctional reforms.
“It is my distinct honour and duty to inform the nation that His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, has exercised his Executive Prerogative of Mercy,” he said.
Minister Ziyambi said the order, promulgated under General Notice 99 of 2026 and cited as Clemency Order No. 1 of 2026, reflects a deliberate policy shift towards ensuring correctional facilities remain centres of rehabilitation rather than punishment.
“This executive action reflects a profound commitment to restorative justice, national compassion, and the strategic decongestion of our correctional facilities to ensure they remain centres of rehabilitation rather than mere places of punishment.”
Minister Ziyambi said the amnesty is targeted and merit-based, focusing on vulnerable groups and inmates who have shown significant progress in rehabilitation.
Most beneficiaries are required to have served at least one-third of their sentences by the date of gazetting.
Those qualifying for full remission include convicted female inmates, excluding those convicted of specified offences; inmates under 18 years; inmates serving effective sentences of 48 months or less for non-specified offences; inmates aged 60 and above who have served at least one-third of their terms; and inmates certified as terminally ill.
The clemency also covers visually impaired and physically challenged inmates whose conditions cannot be adequately managed within correctional facilities, inmates at open prisons, and those who have served a minimum of 20 years, including prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
However, offenders convicted of serious crimes such as murder, treason, rape, robbery, armed robbery, carjacking, public violence and trafficking in persons are excluded.
Minister Ziyambi said the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services conducted a nationwide audit to identify eligible inmates.
Of the 4 305 beneficiaries, 3 978 will be released immediately beginning today, while the remainder will be released in a staggered manner.
He urged families, communities and the private sector to support the reintegration process and said amnesty acknowledges the capacity for reform and offers beneficiaries an opportunity to contribute positively to national development as Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030.
