Zimbabwe’s Acting Secretary for Justice and Legal Affairs Maxwell Ranga says the country does not have a vacancy for a ‘hangman’ and that 55 murderers on death throw have not been executed because Cabinet has not acted on their ‘execution papers.’
Last week the Senate reported that executions were not being done because of the unavailability of hangmen but according to Ranga “we cannot proceed to execute without the approval of Cabinet.”
“There is a thinking that the new constitution might abolish the death penalty and I think that can be the reason why they have decided to defer execution. We have since sent the papers to Cabinet as required by law after the High Court and the Supreme Court had recommended for capital punishment.
“We are not looking for any hangman. We have not advertised for the job. Above all, the post is part-time and we have one hangman who is always ready to do the job upon request. ”
Ranga said although the hangman cannot be disclosed, he is paid on every execution and he is actually permanently employed elsewhere. He cannot be permanent with us because people are not executed daily,” he said.
“I do not see how these people on death row are being prejudiced. Are they crying for their immediate death? After all the lengthy stay in prison can be an advantage to them, as they will be given an opportunity to make submissions when the decision is finally made.
“If they are lucky, the new Constitution may abolish capital punishment or their sentences may be converted to life in jail considering the delay. I was shocked to receive applications by several nationals who wanted to be employed as hangmen.
“Some applications were frightening as others plainly admitted they were killers. Some indicated they were good at killing and that they should be considered for the post, which we had not advertised,” said Ranga.
