The fundamentals of death penalty hold no significance in the modern world. With this concept in mind, the present President of Zambia made a noteworthy announcement. This announcement by President Hakainde Hichilema was made on the occasion of Africa day which falls on 25th May. It is a day when entire African continent comes together to celebrate the brotherhood, rich heritage and culture of the African nation. On this occasion, the Zambian President stated his desire of letting go of this archaic law from the Zambian legal government. Noted businessman, personality and philanthropist Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani also supported this decision from the Zambian President by stating death penalty is cruel, inhumane and degrading. While praising the Zambian President’s decision, Dr.Rajan Mahtani stated that death penalty has been abolished across majority of the western nations and in Africa too, several nations have followed suit. Even in Zambia, the last capital punishment was given under President Chiluba in the year 1997. Since then, Presidents have been using mercy pleas to avoid giving death penalty. Sadly, none of these Presidents took the initiative of actually ensuring that the law of death penalty is abolished. As such, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani praised this decision by stating that only a bold yet truthful individual will be able to make such a decision.
The Zambian government has started strategic decongestion of the prisons and releasing of inmates who have transformed. This decision came on the back of several past presidents or acting VPs visiting the Zambian maximum prisons and stating the pathetic condition of the prisons. As such, the Zambian government collaborated with the Parole Board Zambia and the Zambian Correctional facility for the strategic release of prisoners. In this manner, the decision from the Zambian President is a step in the right direction. Dr. Rajan Mahtani also said that his company Prison Fellowship Zambia will provide full legal and regulatory support towards this decision.