The Government of Zimbabwe has announced the immediate release of thousands of inmates beginning today following the proclamation of Clemency Order No. 1 of 2026 by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
In a press statement this Monday, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said a total of 4,305 inmates will benefit from the presidential amnesty, with 3,978 set for immediate release starting today, while others will be discharged in phases.
Of the total beneficiaries, 223 are female inmates while 4,082 are male. Among the males, 3,755 will be released immediately, with the remaining 327 expected to be freed in a staggered manner.
The clemency, granted in terms of Section 112 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, is aimed at promoting rehabilitation, easing congestion in correctional facilities, and giving deserving inmates a second chance.
Minister Ziyambi said the amnesty targets inmates considered vulnerable or those who have shown significant progress towards rehabilitation, with most qualifying prisoners having served at least one-third of their sentences.
Those eligible for full remission include all convicted female inmates, excluding those convicted of serious offences, juvenile offenders under the age of 18, and inmates serving sentences of 48 months or less who were not convicted of specified crimes.
The order also covers elderly inmates aged 60 and above who have served at least a third of their sentences, as well as prisoners certified as terminally ill, including those with severe physical disabilities that cannot be adequately managed in correctional facilities.
In addition, inmates currently held in open prisons and those who have served at least 20 years in jail, including individuals whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, will also benefit from the clemency.
However, the government has excluded inmates convicted of serious offences such as murder, treason, armed robbery, rape, and other sexual offences. Crimes related to public violence, human trafficking, and violations of key infrastructure laws, including the Electricity Act and Copper Control Act, are also excluded.
Givernment emphasized that the amnesty does not diminish the seriousness of crimes committed but reflects government’s commitment to restorative justice and humane correctional practices.
Meanwhile, inmates serving sentences longer than 48 months for non-specified offences will receive a reduction of one quarter of their remaining jail term.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services conducted a nationwide audit to identify eligible inmates ahead of the release process and the releases have started.
Government has called on communities, families and the private sector to support the reintegration of the released individuals, noting that successful reintegration is key to reducing reoffending, while urging beneficiaries to use the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to national development.
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