In Zimbabwe, more than 1680 prisoners were released yesterday. The release was applied to prisons all over the country under the presidential amnesty. Among the prisoners who benefitted, the amnesty included 1627 men and 53 women. Some female prisoners did not qualify the amnesty as they were serving serious offenses such as sexual offenses, murder, car-jacking, public violence, and robbery.
Prisoners Set Free.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services had primarily proposed the release of 5 000 inmates to lower the prison population to 16 838; however, most inmates failed the test. Meya Khanyezi, the public relations officer superintendent, spoke during the release of the prisoners. She said the decongestion in these prisons would help in the control of the Covid-19, especially during this crucial time.
“Today ZPCS released 1 680 prisoners country-wide. These prisoners qualified for release under the Presidential Amnesty. We accepted this measure as a way to decongest our prisons, especially in the wake of Covid-19,” Meya Khanyezi
Prisoners Prepare for Society Reintegration.
Supt Khanyezi pleaded the public to accommodate the ex-convicts and help them reintegrate into society.
“We urge the public, particularly their families, to receive them. This will assist in their reintegration process. Most of the pardoned convicts find their way back to incarceration in no time because society does not easily accept them.” She added.
The released offenders received bus fare, and all the needed travel documents to allow them to reach their own destinations. The ZPCS also gave them passes to help them get to their homes easily, considering the current lockdown. Before the release, the Correctional institutions made sure they educated each one of them on the measures to prevent the contraction of the coronavirus.
I Am Now A Changed Person.
Najim Essop is one of the prisoners who qualified for the amnesty. He thanks President Mnangagwa for pardoning them.
“I was found guilty of unlawful entry and have served three years in prison. I was to be released next year in March. However, I am here today. The President has pardoned me. I am so thankful, I learned a lot in prison and am now a transformed person. I will not take what does not belong to me,” he said.
Mushaninga, another pardoned inmate, was so grateful for the pardon. The amnesty meant a lot to him. He is excited to meet his family and be reunited at last. Mushaninga realizes that crime does no good than harm. He has learned his lesson and is set to start a new journey with family alongside
President Mnangagwa’s Clemency Order.
Zimbabwe president recently issued a clemency order for the non-violent lawbreakers. Those who were qualified were realized immediately as long as they had not committed specific offenses that include crimes of violence. Offenders excluded from the amnesty included those convicted of treason, car-jacking, murder, any sexual offense, robbery, public violence, or stock theft. Plus, any attempt, incitement, or conspiracy, to commit these crimes or being an accessory after the fact to these crimes.
The released offenders included juvenile inmates who have served at least a third, women offenders who served half their sentence. Inmates who had a 36 months sentence and have served half and those past 70 years and have served half the sentence. Those who have not done at least half their sentences, according to the latest clemency order, were left behind.
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