The Death Penalty Abolition Bill, which was gazetted last year, will be the subject of public hearings in Parliament starting today and lasting for a week. Both the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act and the Criminal Law Code are proposed to be amended by this bill. It represents a major step toward possible legal improvements and was introduced as a private member’s bill by legislator Mr. Edwin Mushoriwa of Dzivaresekwa.
These public hearings will be held by the Senate’s Thematic Committee on Human Rights in conjunction with the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs.
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The hearings are slated to take place in a number of places, including Kadoma, Gweru, Bulawayo, Lupane, Filabusi, Bindura, Harare, Marondera, Mutare, and Masvingo, between May 6 and 10.
The Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs and the Thematic Committee on Human Rights jointly announced public hearings with the aim of involving stakeholders, gathering viewpoints, and providing information for possible legal reforms concerning three bills that are presently being reviewed by Parliament.
The concepts of this Bill were approved by Cabinet in February, opening the door for negotiations on the abolition of the death penalty and possibly ensuring a smooth path through Parliament.
