President Hichilema Pardons 1,051 Inmates to Mark Zambia's 62nd Independence Anniversary

President Hakainde Hichilema has exercised his Constitutional Prerogative of Mercy to pardon 1,051 inmates across the country ahead of Zambia's 62nd Independence Anniversary, which falls on 24th October, 2026.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary, Dickson Matembo.

According to Mr. Matembo, 905 inmates have had their sentences remitted entirely. The category includes 891 ordinary inmates, four elderly inmates, eight female inmates serving with circumstantial children, and two foreign nationals.

In addition, the Head of State has commuted the sentences of 146 inmates to various terminable terms.

Mr. Matembo said President Hichilema exercised his executive powers pursuant to Article 97(1)(b) of the Constitution Amendment Act No. 2 of 2016.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the clemency is consistent with Government's continued dedication to a humane, rehabilitation-focused correctional system and reinforces Zambia's commitment to the abolition of the death penalty.

He cited key legal milestones, including the signing of the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill No. 25 and Criminal Procedure Code No. 24 in December 2022, and Zambia's accession in 2024 to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

"This exercise underscores the President's commitment to the rehabilitation of inmates and the abolition of the death penalty," Mr. Matembo said.

He added that Zambia's correctional practices align with international frameworks such as the United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules.

To ensure successful reintegration, the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) has partnered with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development and other stakeholders.

The support package includes vocational training, assistance with registering cooperatives through the Directorate of Corrections and Extension Services, and provision of starter packs upon discharge.

Mr. Matembo has appealed to families and members of the public to support the former inmates.

"Family support is essential as they embark on rebuilding their lives. Do not discriminate against them; create a conducive environment they can thrive in," he urged.

"If not accepted or neglected, former inmates are influenced into a life of crime as they tend to reoffend thus defeating the whole purpose of rehabilitation and reintegration."