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Three African countries on cusp of death penalty abolition

Published

10 months ago

October 11, 2024

BY COLUMBUS MAVHUNGA

The international human rights organization Amnesty International says three sub-Saharan African countries considering ending the death penalty should do it now and pave the way for others around the world to follow in their footsteps.

There hasn’t been an execution in Gambia, Kenya or Zimbabwe in over a decade, Amnesty has said, and all three nations have commuted multiple death sentences during that time.

Lucia Masuka, head of Amnesty in Zimbabwe, said most countries in the world are moving away from the death penalty, and she urged African countries to follow suit.

“It’s time for all countries to move away from this cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment once and for all,” Masuka said. “Zimbabwe’s president himself was sentenced to death for terrorism, as a young man, due to his involvement in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. He narrowly avoided execution. He was below the age of 21 at the time, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison instead.

“The president knows what it is like to be facing the death penalty, and he now has the opportunity to ensure that no one else goes through that.”

Addressing Parliament this month, President Emmerson Mnangagwa stuck to his 2017 promise that he would not allow the death penalty to stand in Zimbabwe.

“Parliament has an obligation to expedite the enactment of all bills that, for one reason or another, are outstanding from previous sessions,” he said. “You can carry the burden.” Bills relating to death penalty abolition “should be passed.”

Hwange

Hwange Colliery Company to resume alcohol monitoring program

Published

19 hours ago

August 12, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Hwange Colliery Company Limited has announced that its Alcohol Monitoring Program will officially resume on Wednesday, across all areas.

According to a memo , the program is a critical part of the company’s commitment to safety, health, and productivity. It is implemented in line with the company’s workplace policies and legal obligations.

The memo stated that ensuring a substance-free work environment, especially in high-risk areas, is essential to the wellbeing of all employees and the overall performance of the organization.

All employees are expected to comply fully with the requirements of the program. Testing will be conducted randomly and routinely as stipulated in the Alcohol & Drug Monitoring Procedure (SHEQP 2.09).

The memo also warned that appropriate disciplinary procedures will apply in cases of non-compliance or policy violation.

National

Seven killed, 36 injured in road accidents in Masvingo and Hwange

Published

19 hours ago

August 12, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A tragic weekend on Zimbabwe’s roads has left seven people dead and 36 others injured in two separate accidents in Masvingo and Hwange.

The first accident occurred on Monday, at around 2:00 a.m. along the Mutare-Masvingo Road when a Toyota Quantum vehicle carrying 22 Zion Christian Church congregants veered off the road and overturned, killing six people and injuring 16 others.

In a separate incident, one person was killed, and 20 others were injured in Hwange when a Nissan NP300 vehicle overturned after its left rim broke on Sunday, at around 5:00 a.m.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, avoiding speeding and observing all road rules and regulations to prevent such tragic accidents.

The police are currently working to identify the victims, and the names will be released once the next of kin have been notified.

In the community

Hwange man trampled to death by elephant

Published

5 days ago

August 8, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A tragic incident occurred in Hwange on Thursday morning when a man was trampled to death by a rampaging elephant bull while on his way to work.

The victim, identified as John Munzabwa of Lusumbani Village (Number Five), was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Fidelis Chima, chairman of the Greater Hwange Residents Association, the incident occurred around 6:00 AM when Munzabwa was walking to relieve his colleague at the open cast mine. “The deceased person was actually walking to work early in the morning… when he was charged by an elephant that had a baby,” Chima explained.

Chima confirmed that the open cast mine is located in an urban area, close to Lusumbani Number Five, and is within walking distance for many residents.

“Usually, workers who reside at Number Five walk to work, especially when there’s no transport,” he said.

The incident has raised concerns among the community about the increasing number of human-wildlife conflicts in the area. “There’s now an increased number of people dying not only due to elephants but also crocodiles and other animals,” Chima noted.

The community attributes the rising conflicts to the increased mining activities in the area, which are disturbing the natural corridors of wildlife.

Chima says the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for coexistence between humans and wildlife, and the importance of finding solutions to mitigate these conflicts.