Zimbabwe has begun releasing over 4,000 inmates under presidential amnesty amid debate over constitutional term extension.
Zimbabwe on Monday began releasing more than 4,000 inmates under a presidential amnesty aimed at easing overcrowding in the country’s prisons.
The clemency order, announced by the cabinet in February, grants a general amnesty to selected categories of convicted prisoners, as authorised by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The announcement coincided with cabinet approval of proposed constitutional amendments that could extend Mnangagwa’s term in office until 2030.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi described the 2026 amnesty as “targeted and merit-based,” focusing on vulnerable groups and inmates who have demonstrated meaningful rehabilitation.
“The 2026 amnesty is targeted and merit based, focusing on vulnerable groups and those who have demonstrated significant progress in their rehabilitation,” Ziyambi said, adding that individuals convicted of serious offences were excluded from the scheme.
A total of 4,305 prisoners — including 223 women — are set to benefit from the clemency order. Zimbabwe’s prisons held just over 24,000 inmates in the second quarter of 2025, according to national data.
At Harare Central Prison on Monday, hundreds of inmates gathered in the yard, separated into two groups. Some, still dressed in orange prison uniforms, awaited their fate. Others, already changed into civilian clothing, stood ready to complete processing before returning home.
Among those released was 23-year-old Tendai Chitsika, who had been serving a six-month sentence for theft and was just two months shy of completing his term.
“It was a learning curve for me. I’m a changed person and I promise to do good out there,” he said, expressing gratitude to the president for the opportunity.
Some inmates celebrated their release by chanting slogans in support of Mnangagwa, while one prisoner held a banner bearing the president’s image.
Demetria Sichauke, one of the women freed, said her time in prison had been transformative.
“I learnt a lot during my incarceration, including making bags and key holders, and now drug dealing is a thing of the past,” she said.
The amnesty excludes individuals convicted under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act — legislation previously used against protesters and opposition figures.
The prisoner release comes amid mounting political debate over proposed constitutional amendments that would allow Mnangagwa to extend his term by two years. Opposition leaders have criticised the move as a constitutional “coup,” particularly provisions that would scrap general presidential elections and instead empower parliament to choose the president.
The amendments must still be approved by parliament, where the ruling ZANU-PF party holds a majority.
While the government frames the amnesty as an act of restorative justice and national compassion, its timing alongside controversial constitutional changes has added a political dimension to what officials describe as a humanitarian measure.
