Source: President sets 4 305 prisoners free – herald
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
President Mnangagwa has proclaimed Clemency Order No. 1 of 2026 granting amnesty to 4 305 inmates in a move aimed at promoting restorative justice and decongesting the country’s correctional facilities.
Announcing the development, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the President exercised his Executive Prerogative of mercy in terms of Section 112(1)(a) and (d) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“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,” said Minister Ziyambi.
He said the clemency order, promulgated under General Notice 99 of 2026 and cited as Clemency Order No. 1 of 2026, shows Government’s commitment to restorative justice, compassion and rehabilitation.
“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.
He said the 2026 Amnesty is targeted and merit-based, focusing on vulnerable groups and inmates who have demonstrated progress in rehabilitation.
Most beneficiaries are required to have served at least one-third of their sentences by the date of gazetting.
Categories qualifying for full remission of the remaining period of imprisonment include all convicted female inmates, excluding those convicted of specified offences; inmates under the age of 18; inmates serving effective sentences of 48 months or less for non-specified offences; inmates aged 60 years and above who have served at least one-third of their sentences; inmates certified as terminally ill; the visually impaired and physically challenged whose conditions cannot be adequately managed in correctional facilities; inmates serving terms at open prisons; and those who have served a minimum of 20 years, including those whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
Most beneficiaries are required to have served at least one-third of their sentences by the date of gazetting.
However, offenders convicted of specified offences such as murder, treason, rape, robbery, armed robbery, carjacking, public violence and trafficking in persons are excluded from the amnesty.
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, while others will be released in a staggered manner.
He urged families, communities and the private sector to support the reintegration of the released inmates.
“Amnesty is not a dismissal of the gravity of the crimes committed, but an acknowledgement of the capacity for human reform,” said Minister Ziyambi.
He called on beneficiaries to use the opportunity to contribute positively to national development as the country marches towards Vision 2030.
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