By Dorica Mtenje
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday, December 30, 2023, pardoned 2744 prisoners as part of Christmas and New Year 2024 celebrations.
The release of inmates is in line with presidential powers under section 82 (2) of the constitution of Malawi section 111 of the prison act.
In a statement signed by the Ministry of Homeland Security, Oliver Kumbambe disclosed that those who have been pardoned are inmates who have served half of their sentences, elderly and female convicts who were also accompanied by their children.
Kumbambe stated that the prisoners who have been pardoned are those who met the required guidelines by demonstrating good behavior while serving their sentences.
He added that Chakwera has also granted general amnesty to 2,744 convicted prisoners serving determinate sentences reducing their sentences to six months as a major of decongesting the prisons.
The President has the mandate to forgive prisoners during any celebrations including the Christmas, Easter and other festive season.