Zambia’s President Pardons Prisoners to Mark 63rd Birthday

A former minister, a journalist and an ex-air force commander are among the prisoners that have been pardoned by President Edgar Lungu on occasion of his 63rd birthday.

The Zambian president gave the presidential pardons today as part of activities to mark his birthday which falls today. This announcement was made in a press release available to top reputable media agencies from the office of the president.

The statement from the presidency confirmed the release of a total of five prisoners from various correctional facilities. 

“The president has pardoned Chief Molungwe, former Minister in the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Government, Maxwell Mwale, Journalist Derrick Sinjela, Afumba Mombotwa and former Zambian Air Force Commander Christopher Singogo.

“The president’s action is in line with article 97 of the Constitution of Zambia Chapter (1) of the Laws of Zambia which provides for presidential pardon and substitution of severe punishments imposed on the convicted,” the statement read in part.

The release of Sinjela, proprietor of Rainbow Newspaper, was expected after the president hinted about it last week.

Speaking to journalists during a media conference at the presidency, President Lungu pledged to review Sinjela’s sentence; the convict was due to be released in December.

“…Sinjela should be freed? I don’t know. He allegedly insulted the courts? You know, these matters are a bit tricky. I had his name on my list just the other day; I will think about him in future, and I hope he hasn’t substantially served his term.

“When is he supposed to come out? December this year? Ah, ana choka kudala uyu! (He’s already out!)” the president is quoted to have said.

Often, presidents across Africa have offered pardon to specific categories of convicts, especially during Independence Day commemorations.

Aside, outright releases, some sentences are also reduced; in most cases; death sentences are commuted to life imprisonments.