Zambia President Pardons 1,005 Inmates to Commemorate Africa Freedom Day
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has exercised his prerogative of mercy by pardoning 1,005 inmates, marking a significant move to commemorate Africa Freedom Day.
This announcement was conveyed by Acting Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Ambrose L. Lufuma, in a press statement.
The pardoned individuals include 939 ordinary inmates, 39 elderly inmates, eight female inmates with circumstantial children, and four foreign nationals. Additionally, sentences for 15 inmates were commuted, including two lifers and 13 long-term inmates.
Among those pardoned, 943 are male and 62 are female, coming from various prisons and correctional centres across the country.
President Hichilema’s decision, pursuant to Article 97 of the Constitution, aims to alleviate overcrowding in Zambia’s correctional facilities. The inmate population currently stands at 28,225, significantly exceeding the holding capacity of 10,650.
The government is addressing this issue by expanding open-air correctional centres, such as those in Nansanga, Serenje, and Mwomboshi, Chisamba. The Nansanga Correctional Centre, nearing 90% completion, will accommodate 1,600 inmates, raising the national holding capacity to 11,250.
Furthermore, the government is promoting non-custodial sentences for minor offences, granting police bonds, and offering bail on flexible conditions to decongest police cells. Legal aid desks have also been established in prisons and correctional centres to provide accused persons with necessary legal services.
The pardon of women with circumstantial children aligns with President Hichilema’s directive to separate these children from adult inmates, providing them with alternative accommodation. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development and will be launched soon.
Additionally, the Juvenile Act has been incorporated into the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, ensuring that children are not housed alongside adult inmates.
Hon. Lufuma expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for his compassionate gesture, emphasizing the readiness of the pardoned inmates for reintegration into society.
He called upon families and communities to support the former inmates, urging against discrimination and highlighting the importance of offering them a second chance to become law-abiding citizens.
