ZWACT urges govt to revisit criteria for President...

ZWACT urges govt to revisit criteria for Presidential Amnesty

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe Women Against Corruption Trust has called for the revision of the set of categories of prisoners eligible for Presidential Amnesty.

The release follows a general notice issued in the Gove Gazzette on May 12.

“Zimbabwe has learnt with great concern some reports in the media platforms which shows the alleged release of prisoners who were convicted of sexual offenses involving minors.

“While it is important to decongest prisons through the Presidential Amnesty Programme, there is a risk or possibility of corruption and abuse of this programme which may result in undeserving prisoners being released.

“The gravity of sexual offences involving minor children is severe considering its long term devastating impact on the lives of these children.

“The convicted persons violated the rights of the minor children by giving them psychological scars which will never heal in their lifetime.

“As a women-led organisation, we are deeply concerned when victims of rape and other sexual offences are denied justice. Perpetrators of sexual violence involving minors should never be eligible for Presidential Amnesty because they are a threat to society.

“The rise in sexual abuse of minor children in the country requires the law makers to make tough decisions against all sexual offenders,” ZWACT said.

The organisation has recommended the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs should thoroughly investigate the released sexual offenders to check their eligibility and possible corruption involved in their release.