President Hakainde Hichilema has pardoned one thousand five
hundred and thirty (1 530) inmates.
Mr. Hichilema has pardoned the inmates in commemoration of the
Africa Freedom Day which falls on May 25.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu who
announced the release of the inmates explained that the action by the
Republican President, is in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the
constitution, pursuant to article 97 of the constitution chapter one (1) of the
laws of Zambia, which provides for Presidential pardon and substitution of
severe punishments imposed on convicted persons.
Mr. Mwiimbu said those pardoned include, one thousand, four
hundred and ninety-seven (1,497) ordinary inmates, eight (08) aged, seven (07)
convicted foreign nationals and eighteen (18) inmates detained at his
Excellency ’s pleasure (HEP) from various prisons and correctional centres
across the country.
He said the release of the one thousand five hundred and thirty
inmates represents 5.8 percent of the prisons and correctional population of
twenty-six thousand four hundred and thirty eight (26,438).
The Minister said among the pardoned, eighty-nine (89) are
females and one thousand four hundred and forty-one (1,441) are males.
Mr. Mwiimbu said the pardoning of the 1,530 inmates has been
done after a rigorous process of scrutiny and assessment in accordance with the
provisions of the Correctional Service Act No. 37 of 2021 and other legislation
of similar scope which he said govern the procedure for the release of inmates
that ensures only reformed, productive and inmates of special needs are given a
second chance.
The Minister further said the pardon of inmates was also in
fulfillment of the Zambia Correctional Service mandate of rehabilitating
convicted persons who find themselves in conflict with the law.
Mr. Mwiimbu who thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for
exercising his Prerogative of Mercy on the said inmates expressed confidence
that the pardoned have been rehabilitated and are ready for reintegration into
society.
He however, said successful reintegration of former inmates was
largely dependent on the support of members of the immediate families and
communities.
Mr. Mwiimbu has since urged families of the pardoned inmates and
members of the public to support and not discriminate against them.
Additionally, the Minister said it is important that the
pardoned are given a second chance to find their feet as law-abiding citizens.
Currently, inmate population stands at twenty-six thousand four hundred and thirty-eight (26,438) against the holding capacity of ten thousand six hundred and fifty (10,650).
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