Faith Ndou
Masvingo Province has recorded a total of 339 inmates benefiting from Clemency Order No.1 of 2026.
Of these inmates, 22 are female while 317 are males.
Confirming the figures, Provincial Public Relations Officer for the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services officer, Tendai Lessley Chamaida said, “Masvingo Province recorded a total of 339 beneficiaries under Clemency Order No. 1 of 2026. Of these, 22 are female inmates. The release process has been conducted in line with the stipulated guidelines and all necessary reintegration procedures are being followed to ensure a smooth transition back into society.”
Masvingo Province has three main prisons ie Mutimurefu, Chiredzi and Masvingo Remand.
Nationally, a total of 4 305 convicted inmates have begun benefiting from the Clemency Order following the exercise of the Executive Prerogative of Mercy by President Mnangagwa.
In a press statement issued on Monday by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi said the Order published as General Notice 99 of 2026, grants a general amnesty to specific categories of convicted inmates in terms of Section 112(1)(a) and (d) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Following a nationwide audit by the ZPCS, 4 305 inmates were identified as eligible beneficiaries including 223 female inmates and 4 082 males.
Among the male beneficiaries, 3 755 were released immediately while 327 are being released in a staggered manner because some sentences are still being calculated.
The amnesty targets inmates who have demonstrated progress in rehabilitation and is aimed at advancing restorative justice while easing congestion in correctional facilities without compromising public safety.
Those serving sentences for rape, murder, treason, armed robbery, trafficking in persons and public violence are exempted from amnesty.
