Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty as the Death Penalty Abolition Act becomes law.
The new legislation prohibits courts from imposing death sentences for any crimes, ensures that the Supreme Court cannot confirm existing death sentences, and prevents any execution of those previously sentenced to death.
This milestone follows a private member’s bill introduced in 2023 by opposition MP Edwin Mushoriwa. He successfully pushed to amend key laws, including the Criminal Law Code and the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act.
Prisoners currently on death row will now have their sentences reviewed and replaced with alternative penalties.
