Mnangagwa pardons another gang of prisoners ahead of Independence Day celebrations
By Staff Writer
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a directive for the release of prisoners but was tactical to avoid setting free those serving time for commission of serious crimes.
The Clemency Order published in the latest Government Gazette Notice confirmed the latest details.
Under the Order female inmates who have served one third of their sentences qualify for full remission of the remaining period of imprisonment except for those convicted of specified offences.
“The above waiver also applies for juveniles below the age of 18. Full remission of the remaining period of imprisonment is hereby granted to all those prisoners serving an effective period of forty-eight (48) months and below and who would have served one third (1/3) of their sentence by 18th April, 2024, provided they are not convicted for specified offences,” the Order reads in part.
For the purpose of this amnesty “‘specified offence” includes:
(a) Murder;
(b) Treason;
(c) Rape or any sexual offence;
(d) Carjacking;
(e) Robbery;
(f) Public violence;
(g) Human trafficking;
(h) Unlawful possession of firearm;
(j) Contravention of the Electricity Act;
(k) Contravention of the Postal and Telecommunications Act;
(l) Contravention of the Public Order and Security Act/ Maintenance of Peace and Order Act;
(m) Any conspiracy, incitement or attempt to commit any of the offences listed above.
