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Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Post Reporter
MUTARE residents have expressed mixed feelings over the death penalty, with some calling for its abolishment, while some say it should remain in the country’s statutes as it acts as a deterrent to would-be offenders.
The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is currently holding public consultations over the death penalty and were in Mutare last week on Friday.
The death penalty may be imposed when a person is convicted of murder committed in aggravating circumstances.
The age group liable for death sentencing is 21 to 70 years, with women being exempted from it.
However, there has not been any execution in Zimbabwe since 2005 after notorious armed robbers, murderers and jail breakers Stephen Chidhumo and Edgar Masendeke were hanged.
Since then, Government has not recruited a hangman.
During the Mutare consultation meeting, some residents argued against the death penalty, saying only God gives and should take lives.
“I think we should go back to our African Traditional Religion belief systems where the spirit of a murdered person is appeased by the offenders. Why should the courts impose a death penalty on the offender when the murdered person’s spirit is not appeased? Who will pay for those sins?
“Even if the murderer is executed, the avenging spirit of the killed person will haunt the remaining family members. We should also not forget that we have people in prison who were wrongfully convicted,” said one of those who attended.
However, some of the people present said the death penalty should be upheld as this will help in reducing the number of murder cases recorded in the country.
“It is a necessary evil. I stay in Penhalonga and the place is now a crime haven. People are killing as if they are killing chickens as they know that they won’t be executed when they are convicted of murder.
“This is not fair to families who would have lost their loved ones. These grieving relatives will still pay taxes that will end up feeding the person who would have wronged them while serving time in prison. Some of the deaths are pre-planned and offenders should face the hangman’s noose,” said another participant.
Ms Tafadzwa Parura hailed Government for the public consultations.
“I am happy that we have such platforms to express our views on statutes that affect us. We should take responsibility of all the laws on the land. We also expect regular feedback and updates on these consultation meetings so that they will not end up being talk shows,” said Ms Parura.
In an interview, Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliament Affairs’ chief law officer (legal research), Mr Charles Manhiri said the issue of the death penalty has become a very topical issue in Zimbabwe, regionally and across the globe.
“In the new Constitution, we had agreed on the abolishment of the death penalty, but this is now a topical issue. We decided to inquire with the grassroots to get their views on this issue, starting with the region covering Gutu, Chivhu, Masvingo, Mutare and Rusape.
“People have been giving their opinions on the death penalty saying they want it removed from our statutes, while some are saying it should be upheld. Those who want its abolishment cite cultural and religious beliefs.
“At the end of the day, we will have to make a decision and if push comes to shove, we will have a referendum on the issue,” he said.
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