African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research (AJSSHR)

Rethinking the Death Penalty in Zimbabwe: The Hidden Trauma of Executioners and Families of the Condemned.

Abstract

The global discourse on the death penalty is polarized, with proponents and opponents presenting deeply entrenched arguments. In Zimbabwe, no executions have occurred since 2005, reportedly because of the unavailability of the executioner. On 31 December, 2024, Mnangagwa signed a bill into law abolishing the death penalty for all crimes and Zimbabwe joined other abolitionist states. This study contributes a unique perspective to anti-capital punishment debates, focusing on the psychological and emotional toll on executioners, their teams, and families of the condemned. Drawing on Amnesty International data and other key sources, this research highlights severe trauma and mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), frequently suffered by execution teams, due to exposure to inhumane and brutal execution practices. Previous literature overlooks these impacts, creating an incomplete narrative. This study argues for other African countries to abolish the death penalty on ethical and humanitarian grounds, urging the governments to consider these hidden impacts in their reviews of capital punishment. Moreso, capital punishment does not seem to align well with African cultural values and beliefs about murder and appropriate punishment.

The Role of Research and Innovation in Socio-Economic Development of Bayelsa State.

Abstract

This study investigates the role of research and innovation in driving socio-economic development in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and identifies the core challenges limiting its effectiveness. Globally, research and innovation are recognized as critical engines for development, fostering a complementary relationship between idea formulation and practical application to solve societal problems. In Bayelsa State, which is rich in resources but faces high rates of poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural decay, research and innovation are positioned as key mechanisms for transformation, capable of improving sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and public service delivery. Employing a descriptive survey design and thematic analysis of data gathered through key informant interviews from academics, researchers, and innovators in the state, the findings reveal that the impact of research and innovation is significantly constrained. The major obstacles identified are inadequate funding for tertiary institutions and research activities, the severe lack of supporting infrastructure (such as reliable electricity and internet), and a pervasive absence of political will and supportive policies from the government. To harness the state's potential, the study recommends strategic interventions, including supportive government policies, increased funding for research institutes, enhanced collaboration between the private and educational sectors, and the creation of specialized institutes to guide research activities toward localized developmental needs.