Zimbabwe Abolishes Death Penalty After Nearly Two Decades of Moratorium

Image Credit, Government of Zimbawe

Zimbabwe’s decision to abolish the death penalty marks a significant shift in its approach to justice and human rights, aligning the nation with the global movement away from capital punishment. This long-anticipated move ends years of ambiguity, as the country had not carried out an execution since 2005 but retained the legal framework allowing the practice. By eliminating the death penalty entirely, Zimbabwe joins a growing list of nations that recognize the practice as a violation of the fundamental right to life and a relic of outdated retributive justice.

The European Union, which has long advocated for the abolition of capital punishment worldwide, welcomed the decision but urged authorities to go further by addressing a lingering legal caveat. While the recent legislative change signals progress, the constitution still permits temporary reinstatement during states of public emergency. The EU has called for amendments to remove this provision, emphasizing that the right to life should not depend on political or security conditions. The irreversible nature of capital punishment leaves no room for error, and even a limited framework for reintroduction threatens the integrity of the justice system.

The timing of this abolition reflects a broader trend across Africa, where several nations have distanced themselves from capital punishment in recent years. It also underscores the growing realization that the death penalty fails to deter crime effectively. Despite persistent public perceptions, studies consistently show no credible link between executions and reduced crime rates. Instead, capital punishment often perpetuates violence, disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and creates the possibility of irrevocable miscarriages of justice.

Legal reforms in Zimbabwe had been building toward this outcome for years, driven by shifting public attitudes and civil society advocacy. The leadership increasingly viewed capital punishment as incompatible with modern governance and international human rights standards. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, once a death row inmate during the liberation struggle, has been vocal about his opposition to the practice. His personal experiences likely influenced the shift, reflecting a more compassionate and reformist approach to justice.

While abolition marks progress, challenges remain within the justice system, including prison overcrowding and inconsistent sentencing. Addressing these systemic issues will require sustained reforms, but the end of capital punishment stands as a critical milestone in fostering a more humane and equitable legal framework.

The decision also carries symbolic weight, reinforcing efforts to present the nation as committed to human rights and progressive governance. As the international community continues to scrutinize states’ adherence to human rights norms, this step may strengthen diplomatic ties and bolster the country’s reputation.

Ensuring that this policy shift becomes deeply entrenched within the legal and cultural framework is crucial. By closing the constitutional loophole and fully embracing the abolition of capital punishment, Zimbabwe can solidify its place among nations that uphold the sanctity of life as an unassailable principle.