Zimbabwe Announces Amnesty for All Convicted Female Prisoners

By Monalisa Ntibane

11 February 2026

Cabinet has approved the 2026 General Amnesty, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa set to exercise his constitutional power of mercy to pardon qualifying inmates.

Government says the move aligns with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service’s rehabilitation mandate and will help decongest prisons while promoting reintegration into society.

Beneficiaries include convicted female prisoners, juveniles, inmates serving 48 months and below, those aged 60 and above, the terminally ill, prisoners at open prisons, inmates with disabilities, and life prisoners who have served at least 20 years.

Prisoners serving more than 48 months will receive an additional one-quarter remission.Excluded are inmates previously released on amnesty, court martial convicts, escapees, and those convicted of serious offences such as murder, rape, armed robbery, treason, public violence, and other specified crimes.