02 Ndabhatani 2026-Radio Bukalanga 100.9FM

Areas around Bulilima and Mangwe Districts are among other communities across the country, witnessing the implementation of Clemency Order No. 1 of 2026, following the exercise of the Executive Prerogative of Mercy by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Nationwide, 4 305 convicted inmates have been approved for release after a review conducted by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service. The amnesty was announced by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and published as General Notice 99 of 2026 in terms of Section 112 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

At Plumtree Prison, 43 inmates have benefited from the order. Of those released, 40 are men, while three are women. Authorities say the selection process was carried out under strict scrutiny and in full compliance with the guidelines set out in the Clemency Order.

The amnesty applies to specific categories of inmates who have shown signs of rehabilitation and, in most cases, have served at least one-third of their sentences. These include female inmates, inmates serving shorter sentences, elderly inmates aged 60 and above who have met qualifying conditions, the terminally ill, inmates with serious physical challenges, and others outlined in the Order.

However, the clemency does not extend to individuals convicted of serious offences such as murder, rape, armed robbery, treason, trafficking in persons, and public violence.

The government says the initiative is designed to promote restorative justice while easing pressure on correctional facilities without compromising public safety.

For society, the development means families are being reunited with their loved ones. Stakeholders and communities are now being encouraged to support the smooth reintegration of the released individuals to help reduce repeat offending and strengthen community harmony.

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GODWIN GUMBO