Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has saluted President Mnangagwa for granting the 2026 prisoners’ amnesty saying the development reflects the Government’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society as productive and responsible citizens.
Cabinet last week clarified the categories of prisoners that will benefit under the 2026 General Amnesty which include all convicted female prisoners, juveniles, prisoners serving an effective period of 48 months and below, and inmates certified as terminally ill.
Other beneficiaries are prisoners at open prisons, all prisoners aged 60 and above, prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment provided they have served 20 years, prisoners with disabilities, and an additional one-quarter remission of the effective term of imprisonment for those sentenced to more than 48 months.
The General Amnesty will exclude any prisoner who was previously released on amnesty, any person serving a sentence imposed by a court martial, any person with a record of escaping from lawful custody, and any inmate convicted of specified offences.
The specified offences include murder, treason, rape or sexual offences, carjacking, robbery, armed robbery, public violence, human trafficking, unlawful possession of a firearm, contravention of the Electricity Act, the Postal and Telecommunications Act, the Public Order and Security Act/the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, the Railway Act, and the Copper Act.
“ZPCS expresses its profound appreciation for this noble and humane gesture by His Excellency. The Presidential Amnesty reflects the Government’s enduring commitment to justice tempered with mercy, rehabilitation and the reintegration of offenders into society as productive and responsible citizens,” ZPCS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner, Meya Khanyezi, said.
Asst Comm Khanyezi said while the organisation fully understands the anticipation and interest surrounding the development, it is important to emphasise that due processes must be meticulously followed before any inmate is released.
She said the Amnesty will be implemented strictly in accordance with the legal framework and the specific conditions outlined in the proclamation.
“ZPCS, working in close co-ordination with relevant judicial and administrative authorities, will be undertaking the necessary verification, screening, and documentation processes to ensure that only eligible inmates benefit under the stipulated categories when the amnesty is gazetted,” said Asst Comm Khanyezi.
She said the process is essential in upholding the rule of law, maintaining public confidence, and safeguarding the integrity of the justice delivery system, adding that the public must exercise patience and allow the service to complete the exercise thoroughly and professionally.
“To those inmates who will benefit from this gesture of mercy, we extend a clear and solemn message. This opportunity is a second chance at life,” said Asst Comm Khanyezi.
“We urge you to embrace it with responsibility, discipline, and a renewed commitment to living as law-abiding citizens. The amnesty is not merely a release from custody, it is an invitation to rebuild your lives, restore family bonds and contribute positively to national development.”
Asst Khanyezi also called upon the society to embrace the former inmates upon their release as the support will be instrumental in their reintegration into society.
ZPCS has further called for continued support for those still in custody as their rehabilitation is vital for a safer and more inclusive society.
“We will discharge our role in the implementation of the Presidential Amnesty with professionalism, transparency and integrity,” said Asst Comm Khanyezi.
The Presidential amnesty aligns with the mandate of ZPCS, which seeks to facilitate the smooth reintegration of inmates into society.
