This seems to be an interesting job opportunity. TheEye applied (this is true), almost two decades ago, for a vacancy as an executioner in the Caribbean (lots of sun, short hours, rum). Not sure Rhodesia is quite so appealing as a destination though.

A backlog of prisoners waiting for execution has built up in Zimbabwe after the sudden retirement of the official hangman.

The man quit his job after he was said to be struggling with his conscience, now the government is desperately searching for a replacement. About 50 inmates are waiting on death row at Chikurubi maximum security prison outside Harare.

The government has prepared notices and an advertisement offering employment for a part-time hangman which have yet to be published, said Edson Chiota, of the Zimbabwe Association for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Offender.

 So, what qualifications do you need?

The job requires only a high school education but extra training would seem in order since studies have shown execution by hanging involves knowledge of body weight, human physiology, ropes, knots and basic mechanics.

The job could be well rewarded if bonus payments are performance-related. As a guide; if you do the job well, the re-offending rate should be zero.