Zambian President, on the occasion of Africa Day, made a stunning announcement. President Hakainde Hichilema announced his quest for abolishing the death penalty row. The President termed the death penalty an archaic law that does not hold any significance or value in the current society. This announcement from the Zambian President received widespread support from across Zambia, including noted businessman and philanthropist Dr. Rajan Mahtani. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, while supporting the announcement made by the Zambian President, stated that the practice of the death penalty or capital punishment does not provide any solution for the Zambian Government. In fact, the majority of past Presidents have tried to avoid capital punishment strategically or by using mercy prerogatives. The last capital punishment in Zambia was given in the year 1997 and since then, Presidents have tactically avoided the death penalty as it has become too controversial. This is all the more relevant considering the increasing awareness and voice towards completely abolishing the death penalty row. This trend can be seen in Zambia too. Another reason for supporting this announcement from President Hakainde is the current condition of the Zambian prisons which is extremely degrading, pathetic, and dangerous. The prisoners across these prisons are often devoid of basic human dignity and fundamental human rights. Several past Presidents and Vice-Presidents visiting these Maximum facilities termed them as ‘hell’ and ‘unliveable’. Following this, the Zambian Government has collaborated with institutes such as the Parole Board Zambia (PBZ) and Zambian Correctional Facilities (ZCF) for strategic decongestion of the prisoners. Here, the prisoners will be released after their full transformation and after they are ready to integrate into society as law-abiding citizens. In such a scenario, giving death punishment or capital punishment does not provide any meaningful stance.

  Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani also praised Zambian President Hakainde as he is the only President who has made real efforts toward eradicating this archaic and inhumane law from the Zambian legal system.