A historic moment was observed by the Zambian criminal justice system. Current Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, announced on the auspicious occasion of Africa day that he plans to completely abolish the death penalty practice from the Zambian legal system. This announcement was met with widespread support from Zambia and outside, including notable businessman and philanthropist Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. Dr. Rajan Mahtani, who is the founder and current chairman of the Prison Fellowship Zambia (PFZ), wholeheartedly supported this announcement. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is known for his several philanthropic and charitable activities across Zambia, spread across several decades. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani established the Prison Fellowship Zambia (PFZ), a Christian Outreach Program established to bring the teachings and learnings from Jesus Christ to the Prisoners.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani added his voice towards the decision from the Zambia President from political as well as religious point of view. In political viewpoint, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani highlighted the fact that the last time death penalty was given was in the year 1997 under President Chilruba and the person was executed. Since then, Presidents have been tactfully avoiding the death penalty by using mercy pleas. While these are all noble causes, none of these past Presidents have actuaqlly worked towards complete removal of this archaic, degrading, cruel and inhumane practice from the Zambia legal and regulatory system. As such, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has praised this decision made by the Zambian President and stated that only an individual who is compassionate, has love towards Almighty God and respects the fundamental human rights and human dignity.
From a religious viewpoint, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani stated that when Jesus Christ sacrificed himself at the cross, he did to save the humanity itself. Also, those responsible for execution should themselves be free of sin. As such, the practice of death penalty makes no sense and should be abolished completely.