ZPCS welcomes 2026 prisoner amnesty

By Staff Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has saluted and welcomed the 2026 prisoners amnesty by President Mnangagwa saying the development reflects the Government’s commitment to justice tempered with mercy, rehabilitation and the reintegration of offenders into society as productive and responsible citizens.

Announcing the development after the first Cabinet meeting last week, former Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said categories of prisoners that will benefit under the 2026 General Amnesty include all convicted female prisoners, juveniles, prisoners serving an effective period of 48 months and below, and inmates certified as terminally ill.

Dr Muswere said other beneficiaries also include prisoners at open prisons, all prisoners aged 60 and above, prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment provided they have served 20 years, prisoners with disabilities, and an additional one-quarter remission of the effective term of imprisonment for those sentenced to more than 48 months.

The General Amnesty will exclude any prisoner who was previously released on amnesty, any person serving a sentence imposed by a court martial, any person with a record of escaping from lawful custody, and any inmate convicted of specified offences.

The specified offences include murder, treason, rape or sexual offences, carjacking, robbery, armed robbery, public violence, human trafficking, unlawful possession of a firearm, contravention of the Electricity Act, the Postal and Telecommunications Act, the Public Order and Security Act/the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, the Railway Act, and the Copper Act.

“ZPCS expresses its profound appreciation for this noble and humane gesture by His Excellency. The Presidential Amnesty reflects the Government’s enduring commitment to justice tempered with mercy, rehabilitation and the reintegration of offenders into society as productive and responsible citizens,” said ZPCS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi.

Asst Comm Khanyezi said while the organisation fully understands the anticipation and interest surrounding the development, it is important to emphasize that due processes must be meticulously followed before any inmate is released. She said the Amnesty will be implemented strictly in accordance with the legal framework and the specific conditions outlined in the proclamation.

“ZPCS, working in close coordination with relevant judicial and administrative authorities, will be undertaking the necessary verification, screening, and documentation processes to ensure that only eligible inmates benefit under the stipulated categories when the amnesty is gazetted,” said Ast Comm Khanyezi.