Current Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, recently made an announcement. On the occasion of Africa Day, President Hichilema announced that he plans to abolish the death penalty. This announcement has received widespread support across Zambia. One of the supporters has been Dr.Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, a noted businessman, philanthropist, and charity worker from Zambia. Dr.Rajan Mahtani is the owner of Prison Fellowship Zambia (PFZ), a noted Christian Outreach Program focussing on bringing the teachings of Jesus Christ to the prisoners, ex-prisoners as well as their families in Zambia. Also, the institute works to ensure that the prisoners are allowed transparent criminal justice and are not devoid of fundamental human rights & basic human dignity. As such, Dr. Mahtani founded Prison Fellowship and has extended its full support towards the decision made by the Zambian President. Dr. Rajan Mahtani, while adding his voice to this announcement, stated that there is a significant difference between making such a bold announcement and making it a reality. This is due to the significant bureaucracy, corruption and long processes within the government to change an archaic yet old and established law. As such, Prison Fellowship will provide legal and regulatory support to ensure that the announcement sees the light of the day.
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani further stated that the punishment of the death penalty is cruel, inhumane, and degrading. Supporting this statement, Dr. Rajan Mahtani stated that the death penalty is not the solution for the increasing crimes, criminal activities, and unethical practices across the nation. Across Zambia, there are more than 380 prisoners awaiting death penalty and among them, around 25-30 are women. These people get up every day with the fear that it might be their last day on this planet. At the same time, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani has also stated that he received the privilege of meeting several inmates who have completely devoted themselves to the services of the almighty God.
Prison Fellowship will provide support for the President’s decision in all manner possible.