Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, noted businessman and philanthropist in Zambia, has extended his full support towards Zambian President’s decision. Recently, President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema made a bold announcement that he is planning to abolish the death penalty row. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, who is the founder and current chairman of the Prison Fellowship Zambia, has wholeheartedly supported this decision.
According to Dr. Rajan Mahtani, more than 350 prisoners, including both men and women, are currently under the death penalty row. Being on this death penalty row is a significant punishment for the convicts as they expect execution at any day. While working with Prison Fellowship Zambia, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has observed that several inmates transformed themselves by dedicating entirely to the services of god and becoming law abiding citizens. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani further stated that majority of the past Presidents have avoided death penalty row by using certain mercy perogatives. The last time death penalty was ordered was in the year 1997. Also, several organizations such as Correctional services and Parole Board have started to work with the Zambian Government towards planned release of the Zambian Prisoners after transforming this. This comes after several reports of inhumane and degrading living conditions across Zambian Prisons. Even former vice-presidents have considered the condition across Zambian prisons as hell and impossible to survive.
The consensus towards abolishing death penalty has grown significantly across the globe and across Africa. Even in Zambia, the voice is not new as many institutions and organizations have been working towards abolishing this cruel and inhumane practice. Even then, there was a need for involvement from the top government and this has now become a reality with the latest announcement made by the Zambian President. Dr. Rajan Mahtani also stated that there is a long road from announcing the intent to making it happen in a legal manner, which will require significant legal reforms. Dr. Mahtani’s firm will support the President in all manner possible.