![Zambian President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu[PHOTO CREDIT: @EdgarChagwaLungu]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/01/11755281_968199843236241_7274240477037435548_n.jpg?fit=960%2C558&ssl=1)
Zambian President, Edgar Lungu has removed 246 inmates who were on death row and commuted their sentences to life sentences, a government official said on Wednesday.
Minister of Home Affairs, Stephen Kampyongo, said that among the inmates includes 225 males and 21 females.
He announced the commuting of the sentences during an event held at Mukobeko Maximum Prison in central Zambia’s Kabwe town which was streamed live on Facebook.
Mr Kampyongo said this made the clemency of death to life sentences over 500 after 332 inmates had their sentences commuted in 2015.
ALSO READ: 65 illegal immigrants arrested in Zambian capital
He said the commutation of sentences of inmates would help to congest the section of condemned inmates at the prison which was meant for 50 people but now has over 400 inmates.
The move, he said, was also meant to protect inmates from contracting COVID-19.
In spite of the death penalty being on the country’s statutes, Zambia has not carried any execution since 1997.
(Xinhua/NAN)
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
TEXT AD: To advertise here . Call Willie +2347088095401...
![Singer-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine. [PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter handle of Bobi]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2020/12/Bobi-Wine.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![Troops of the United Nations in Congo [PHOTO CREDIT: TRT World]](https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/02/87674_80636_COD20200313UNITURIVIOLENCEAFP_1591355641050_1599765527484.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![FAO locust attack horn of Africa[PHOTO CREDIT: The New Humanitarian]](https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2020/05/fao-locust-attack-horn-of-africa-e1595595560214.jpg?resize=75%2C75&ssl=1)
Discussion about this post