On Monday, Zimbabwe began releasing nearly 4,000 prisoners under a presidential amnesty aimed at reducing overcrowding in the nation’s jails.
The cabinet had announced the measure in February, coinciding with approval of constitutional amendments designed to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term until 2030.
The decree provides a general pardon for certain categories of convicted inmates, as authorised by the president.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi explained, “The 2026 amnesty is selective and merit-based, concentrating on vulnerable groups and individuals who have shown significant progress in their rehabilitation.”
He added that the initiative reflects a commitment to restorative justice and national compassion, excluding prisoners convicted of serious offenses.
A total of 4,305 inmates, including 223 women, are scheduled for release under the Clemency Order.
At Harare Central Prison on Monday, hundreds of inmates were observed in the yard. One group remained in their orange uniforms, destined to continue serving their sentences, while the other had already changed into civilian clothing, awaiting processing for release.
Among the freed was 23-year-old Tendai Chitsika, who had been serving a six-month sentence for theft and was only two months from completing it.
He remarked, “It was a learning experience. I’m a changed person and I intend to live right. I want to thank the president for this opportunity.”
Some inmates expressed their gratitude with chants of “Mnangagwa huchi,” which loosely translates to “Mnangagwa is honey,” while one held a banner displaying the president’s image.
Demetria Sichauke was among the women released.
“I gained valuable skills during my time here, such as making bags and key holders, and I have left drug dealing behind,” she said.
Recent national data show that Zimbabwe’s prisons housed just over 24,000 inmates in the second quarter of 2025.
The amnesty did not extend to those convicted under the “Maintenance of Peace and Order Act,” a law historically applied against protesters and opposition figures.
The proposed constitutional amendments, which would allow Mnangagwa to extend his term by two years, have sparked widespread anger in Zimbabwe.
Opposition leaders have described the move as a constitutional “coup,” and other changes would eliminate general presidential elections, granting parliament the authority to select the president.
The amendments still require parliamentary approval, where the ruling Zanu-PF party holds a dominant position.