Dr Lazarus Chakwera has today the 10th of April 2023 pardoned 200 prisoners who were serving minor offences as part of Easter holiday celebrations.
Former Homeland Security minister Uladi Mussa, who was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for being found guilty to a corruption case where he offered citizenship illegally. , a minor Mussa John who was sentenced to 8 years improvement for being found in possession of chamba and the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Linda Kunje who was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for obstructing the presidential convoy are among notable prisoners on the pardoned list.
Speaking to our reporters, Minister responsible for Homeland Security, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma has confirmed the development. “It must be noted that the list consists of 200 prisoners who were serving minor offences and demonstrated good behavior during their imprisonment.” Ng’oma said.
Ng’oma says, according to Chapter 89 (2) of the Constitution.
“the president has power to pardon convicted offenders, grant stays of execution of sentence, reduce sentences, or remit sentences.”
Chakwera has so far pardoned over 1900 prisoners since he became president of the country.
News of John Mussa, who was arrested on 24th June 2022, raised public out cry demanding the president to consider pardoning him according to Fredokiss Kaluwa et Al.
Today, the release of John Mussa has been received with mixed reactions following social media posts from Mikonzi, Times 360 Malawi, and many others.
All the 200 prisoners are expected to be released on 11th April 2023 according to Zikhale Ng’oma.
More details on avantmalawi.com