Speaking to NewsDay yesterday, Justice ministry permanent secretary Virginia Mabhiza said that Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa who also doubles as justice minister had blocked the appointment of the hangman because he is opposed to the death penalty.
Mabhiza said that more than 5 men had applied for the job since she joined the ministry in 2013. She also revealed that no females have applied for the job yet. Said Mabhiza:
The hangman’s post is yet to be filled and we continue to receive applications. From 2013, when I joined the ministry, we have received more than five applications. I have not checked how many applied before I came.
The Constitution still allows the death penalty. It did not outlaw the death penalty. So far, we have not received applications from females, only men have applied. The post has been vacant for in excess of 10 years.
It is because our current Justice minister, who is VP Emmerson Mnangagwa, is opposed to the death penalty such that anything in the direction of execution, he does not entertain it.
More: NewsDay
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