Matabeleland south leads in amnesty releases

by FHATU MULAUDZI
BEITBRIDGE – A total of 260 inmates have been released from correctional facilities across Matabeleland South Province under the latest Presidential Amnesty granted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Of those pardoned, 256 are men and four are women, making Matabeleland South one of the provinces with the highest number of beneficiaries in this round of clemency.

The releases were distributed across the province’s main correctional centres, including Beitbridge, Gwanda (and its satellite facilities), and Plumtree.

The amnesty primarily benefited inmates convicted of non-violent offences, including wildlife crimes, theft, unlawful possession offences, and other lesser criminal violations.

Offenders convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, armed robbery, carjacking, treason, public violence and human trafficking were excluded from the programme.

Among those released are inmates who had served substantial portions of their sentences, including some who had completed more than half their terms.

The clemency also extended to selected female inmates, qualifying long-serving prisoners, inmates at open prisons, and certain vulnerable categories such as the physically challenged whose conditions are difficult to manage within correctional facilities.

Matabeleland South’s higher number of releases compared to Bulawayo and Matabeleland North is largely attributed to the province’s correctional population size and the number of inmates serving sentences for qualifying non-violent offences.

Border districts such as Beitbridge contribute significantly to incarceration statistics due to cross-border related offences, smuggling and wildlife crimes, which often fall within the category of eligible offences for remission.

The amnesty is also aimed at decongesting prisons, as overcrowding has been a persistent challenge across the province.

By reducing inmate numbers, correctional authorities can better manage rehabilitation programmes and improve living conditions within facilities.

Authorities have emphasised that rehabilitation remains central to the correctional system, with released inmates expected to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens.

The Presidential Amnesty offers former prisoners a second opportunity to rebuild their lives while easing pressure on the province’s correctional infrastructure.