16 spared death sentence

At least 16 inmates escaped the hang man's noose when their death penalties were commuted to life after President Mnangagwa pardoned thousands of prisoners across the country in a bid to decongest prisons.

There were 101 inmates on death row countrywide.

Speaking at Harare Central Prison where 173 inmates were being released Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Banda said some inmates who had served over 10 years and were on death row had their sentences reduced to life.

Those who benefited were juveniles, prisoners sentenced to 36 months and those over the age of 60 years.