Until recently, the offence of murder in Zambia carried the mandatory death penalty by hanging, as prescribed under the Penal Code. This punishment had long been a subject of human rights debates, both locally and internationally, with many arguing that capital punishment was inhumane and outdated.
In a historic move towards aligning Zambia with modern human rights standards, the Republican President signed into law an amendment in 2022 that abolished the death penalty. This marked a significant departure from the country’s long-standing legal position on capital punishment.
The amendment repealed key sections of the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code that had previously mandated the death sentence for certain offences, including murder, treason, and aggravated robbery. These changes mean that judges now have discretion to impose alternative sentences, such as life imprisonment, even in cases where death would have previously been automatic.
This reform reflects Zambia’s commitment to upholding the right to life and adhering to international human rights treaties to which the country is a party. While the abolition does not erase past death sentences automatically, it ensures that no new executions can be carried out, and existing death row inmates may now have their sentences reviewed.
The abolition of the death penalty is a major milestone in Zambia’s legal and constitutional development. It demonstrates a shift towards a more rehabilitative and humane criminal justice system, placing emphasis on the sanctity of human life and the potential for reformed