Under a presidential amnesty order intended to decongest the country’s overcrowded jails, Zimbabwe has released roughly one-fifth of all prisoners.
According to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), over 4,000 inmates, mostly men, were released in a noble gesture.
Violent criminals, as well as those convicted of robbery, treason, and public order offenses, were barred from participating.
Zimbabwe’s prisons are overcrowded to the breaking point.
The move comes ahead of the August general elections.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is dealing with a rising cost of living, high inflation, and power outages.