27 December 2013 :

Zambia’s President Sata, in a Christmas gesture, released two prisoners and commuted life sentences of 87 other inmates.
That was not all: 10 other prisoners learned that President Sata had spared them from the hangman’s noose by commuting their death sentences to life.
Those released were serving 30 years each for murder and the 87 that were jailed for life have had their sentences reduced to 30 years.
Commissioner of Prisons Percy Chato was the bearer of President Sata’s unprecedented Christmas gift.
Standing before the hordes of prisoners, he read: “I wish to report to you that the President in exercise of Article 59 of the Constitution has duly signed the order to commute 10 death sentences to life, 87 life sentences to 30 years and the release of two long-term prisoners from prisons forthwith.”
“This is the message I have for you and His Excellency [President Sata] has chosen Christmas as a symbol of hope because this is a day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ,” Mr Chato said.
Saved from hanging are Etombi Sitali, Cosmas Phiri, Mulonda Mwendede, Muchiwene Kubola, Charles Phiri, Richard Ngolofawani, Baton Mwaba, Jeffy Mukela, Isaac Zimba and John Phiri.
The cases of the affected prisoners were considered by the prerogative of mercy committee who in turn advised President Sata on what course of action to take.
And the prisoners, through their representatives Lucky Chisuka, Kupe Kafunda and Linda Banda, praised Mr Sata for this gesture.
“We would like to thank the President for what he has done,” Ms Banda said as other inmates applauded.
And Mr Chato encouraged other prisoners who did not benefit from this gesture to continue petitioning the President to be pardoned.