Human Lives Human Rights: Tafadzwa Shamba and Tapiwa Makore Senior were given the death penalty on 12 July 2023 after being tried at the Harare High Court for the murder of Tapiwa Makore.
Tapiwa, who was killed on 17 September 2020, was discovered in a disfigured and dismembered state, which caused a great deal of public anger and shock.
Human rights organizations universally condemn the death penalty, advocating for its abolition in all circumstances.
They argue that regardless of the crime committed, the characteristics of the offender, or the method of execution employed by the state, the death penalty constitutes a deliberate and calculated act of killing by the government in the name of justice.
This practice is seen as a violation of the fundamental right to life, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Furthermore, it is considered the most extreme form of cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment.
The use of the death penalty is deemed inappropriate and should never be employed under any circumstances, regardless of the location or situation.
However, it is important to note that human rights organizations do not seek to downplay or excuse the crimes for which individuals have been sentenced to death.
Instead, they advocate for holding individuals accountable for their actions through fair trials that adhere to international standards, without resorting to the death penalty.
