By Political Reporter- President Mnangagwa has once again granted amnesty to over 4,000 prisoners as he struggles to leave a legacy; however, behind the facade of compassion lies a stark reality of failed governance and empty promises.

While the announcement by the Permanent Secretary in the Justice Ministry, Vimbai Nyemba, may seem like a benevolent act, it conveniently overlooks the dire state of Zimbabwe’s prisons and the glaring failures of Mnangagwa’s administration to improve the livelihoods of its citizens.

Last year, Mnangagwa’s amnesty included a notorious rapist known as ‘Mnangagwa Huchi,’ who shamelessly lauded the president, effectively transforming his incarceration into a platform for political endorsement.

This pattern of selective amnesty raises questions about the true motives behind Mnangagwa’s actions.

Moreover, the exclusion of certain offenses from the latest amnesty, including murder, treason, and sexual offenses, highlights the arbitrary nature of the pardon. It seems more like a calculated move to appease the public than a genuine effort to address systemic issues within the justice system.

The timing of this announcement, coinciding with Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebrations, further underscores its political nature. By wrapping himself in the cloak of compassion, Mnangagwa seeks to deflect attention from his government’s inability to deliver meaningful change.

While the spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services paints a rosy picture of rehabilitation and societal integration for the released inmates, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Without adequate support and resources, many former prisoners will struggle to reintegrate into society, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and crime.

Instead of relying on superficial gestures, Mnangagwa should focus on implementing tangible reforms that address the root causes of incarceration and improve the lives of all Zimbabweans.

Until then, his hollow attempts at legacy-building will only serve as a reminder of his administration’s shortcomings.