It is important to note, however, that the Cabinet's announcement does not imply that hangings will cease, but simply that there is now at least a chance of getting a death sentence commuted at the petition stage. Meanwhile, there is evidence that executions are continuing.
On Friday 22 June 1979, Bishop Muzorewa told a delegation from the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace that he was sympathetic to pleas for mercy based on humanitarian grounds, and that he would carefully consider a request from the Commission for a moratorium on martial law hangings. It was subsequently learnt however, that hangings under martial law had been resumed at Salisbury Central Prison after a 10 week break, on the very morning of the meeting with the Bishop.
On 24 June the following telegram was addressed to Bishop Muzorewa:
"Sir,
We have just been informed that martial law hangings have been resumed. Perhaps you have not been told of this. We appeal to you as our Christian leader. Many people are deeply disturbed that in these changing and confused times such irreversible actions are performed. Death is final and there can be no compensation. We must all bear the responsibility. For the love of God will you not do all possible in mercy and for the sake of justice to stop these hangings. Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace."
Despite this appeal, the IDAF was informed on 12 July that a further three individuals (or possibly three groups of individuals) had been hanged in the previous week.
In a letter dated 30 August 1979 to lawyers inside Rhodesia, the Secretary to the Cabinet Mr. George Smith has confirmed that executions are likely to continue. In a reference to the Cabinet's announcement of 31 July Mr. Smith stated that: "Cabinet has already agreed those cases where the death penalty has been imposed should be referred to the President in Council to determine whether or not the sentence should be commuted. No undertaking can be given that the President in Council would uphold every petition for mercy put before him as each individual case must be considered on its merits".
