Murder, rape, aggravated robbery, illegal possession...

Murder, rape, aggravated robbery, illegal possession of arms and arson are capital crimes. In May 1999, a Commission was appointed to work on the preparation of a new Constitution. This work presented the opportunity for the nation and the public to tackle for the first time various issues including the application of the death penalty. On November 29, 1999, the Commission presented a draft proposal to President Robert Mugabe. The draft still includes the death penalty, but only as an optional punishment for murder. Under the current law, the death penalty is compulsory for murder and treason. In line with international treaties, the new law excludes the imposition of the death penalty on minors and pregnant women. The referendum that took place on the 12th and 13th of February 2000 rejected the draft for the Constitution, thus presenting an act of no confidence towards President Robert Mugabe, in power for the last 20 years. Following this a campaign of intimidation ensued with acts of violence and torture on behalf of Zanu PF, the ruling party, directed towards those who opposed Mugabe's regime.