Presidential Amnesty Unlocks New Beginnings for 430 Midlands Prisoners

GWERU – A wave of freedom has swept across the Midlands Province as the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) released 430 inmates under a Presidential amnesty, offering a second chance to men and women who had served time behind bars.

Of the released, 400 were men and 30 were women. The handover ceremony at Whawha Medium Prison highlighted both the human and societal impact of the pardon, which aims to reduce overcrowding while encouraging rehabilitation.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner Somemore Gate, Officer Commanding Midlands Province, lauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for granting the clemency, describing it as a measure that not only eases prison congestion but also reintegrates skilled individuals into society.

“The release has significantly reduced the prison population in the Midlands Province,” Commissioner Gate said. He emphasised that many of the inmates had acquired valuable skills during their rehabilitation.

He cited the story of Samson Matizha, who entered prison with no formal qualifications and emerged as a Class One motor mechanic, ready to contribute to his community. “This is a tangible example of how rehabilitation works when prisoners are given training and opportunities,” the Commissioner said.

The Presidential pardon, issued under General Notice 99 of 2026, also known as Clemency Order Number 1 of 2026, was gazetted on February 20, 2026. A total of 4,305 prisoners, including 223 women and 4,082 men, are expected to benefit as the clemency process continues.

The order covers several categories of inmates, including:
All female prisoners except those convicted of serious offences.
Juveniles under 18, with age verified through birth certificates or medical estimation.
Elderly inmates aged 60 and above who have served at least one-third of their sentences.
Terminally ill prisoners certified by correctional or government medical officers.

Individuals with visual impairments or severe physical disabilities that cannot be adequately managed in prisons.
Prisoners in open prisons and those who have served a minimum of 20 years, including inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

Commissioner Gate urged the newly released to embrace law-abiding lives and use the skills gained in prison to positively impact their communities.

“This is a new beginning. We expect former inmates to take full advantage of the second chance granted to them and avoid returning to criminal activities,” he said.

As the clemency process continues across Zimbabwe, thousands of prisoners are set to benefit, reflecting the government’s commitment to rehabilitation, reintegration, and building safer, more productive communities.