Zimbabwe to Release Thousands of Prisoners in Presidential Amnesty

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved a general amnesty for 2026, aimed at reducing the country's severe prison overcrowding. The amnesty will benefit thousands of inmates, including all convicted female prisoners, juveniles, and those aged 60 and above. This move is expected to offer relief to families and individuals affected by the country's harsh prison conditions.

The amnesty applies to various categories of prisoners, including women, juveniles, and elderly inmates. Specifically, it covers all convicted female prisoners, prisoners under 18, those serving sentences of 48 months or less, terminally ill inmates, and prisoners with disabilities. Additionally, life sentence prisoners who have served at least 20 years will also be eligible for release. However, prisoners who have committed serious crimes, such as murder, rape, and armed robbery, are excluded from the amnesty. Follow us on our WhatsApp Channel

The decision to grant amnesty is aimed at decongesting Zimbabwe's overcrowded prisons, which are currently holding nearly 10,000 inmates beyond their designed capacity. By releasing eligible prisoners, the government hopes to alleviate the strain on the prison system and improve living conditions for those who remain incarcerated. This move is also seen as a way to promote rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.

The amnesty is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of prisoners and their families. While some may welcome the release of prisoners, others have raised concerns about public safety and the potential for repeat offenders to commit further crimes. Nevertheless, the amnesty presents an opportunity for prisoners to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society, and for the government to review its justice system and prison infrastructure