President Hichilema marks Africa Freedom Day with wreath laying and pardons of 1,505 inmates

President Hakainde Hichilema this morning led the nation in commemorating Africa Freedom Day at a wreath laying ceremony at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka, honouring those who fought for the continent's independence.

The President also exercised his prerogative of mercy on 1,505 inmates to mark the day, releasing 708 outright and commuting the sentences of a further 797 to terminable terms. The pardons were made in accordance with Article 97 of the Constitution, which provides for presidential pardons and the substitution of severe punishments imposed on convicted persons.

Among the 708 released are 700 ordinary inmates, two women with circumstantial children, one senior citizen, and five convicted foreign nationals.

Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo announced the figures in a ministerial statement to ZNBC News. He said the pardons form part of a broader government effort to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities, alongside the ongoing construction and expansion of existing centres.

Mr Matembo urged families of those released to receive them without discrimination, warning that former inmates who are rejected or neglected by their communities are more likely to reoffend. Rehabilitation, he said, depends as much on the welcome they receive at home as on the work done inside correctional facilities.

The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that the government has procured new combat uniforms for officers under the Zambia Correctional Service, set to be launched in July 2026, and is exploring ways to expedite recruitment to address staffing shortages.