The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) regrets the execution of 33-year-old Mr. Moabi Seabelo Mabiletsa and his co-accused 39-year-old Mr. Matshidiso Tshid Boikanyo on 28 March 2020 in the Republic of Botswana.
The Commission reiterates its opposition to the imposition of the death penalty as it constitutes a violation of Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Charter), which specifically prohibits the arbitrary deprivation of the right to life and enshrines the integrity of persons and Article 5 of the Charter also prohibits cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment.
The Commission also recalls its position in favour of the abolition of the death penalty in Africa, wherein in Resolutions ACHPR/Res.42(XXVI)99 and ACHPR/Res.136(XXXXIV)08 the Commission urged State Parties to the African Charter that retain the death penalty to consider establishing a moratorium on execution of the death penalty, with a view to legally abolishing the practice.
The Commission urges the government of the Republic of Botswana to observe a moratorium on the execution of death penalty in conformity with Resolution ACHPR/Res.136 (XXXXIV)08 of the Commission.
Commissioner Kayitesi Zainabo Sylvie, Chairperson of the Working Group on the Death Penalty and Extra-Judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Killings and Enforced Disappearances in Africa
