27 May 2013 :

Zambia President Michael Chilufya Sata has pardoned 615 inmates with minor offenses countrywide while 113 have had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
Mr Sata said when he addressed the nation on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) on the eve of Africa Freedom Day that this is part of the celebrations.
And Commissioner of Prisons Percy Chato disclosed in an interview from Kabwe yesterday that the 113 who were condemned to death had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment with immediate effect.
He said the President’s move to pardon prisoners is in accordance with Article 51 of the Constitution.
President Sata said during his address that there is need to emulate the selfless spirit of the country’s founding fathers and mothers by creating a united front against the many challenges the country is facing.
He said it is only through unity that citizens could build a stronger and better Zambia for all.
The theme for this year’s Africa Freedom Day, which coincided with the celebration of the Golden Jubilee since the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU) is: Building on 50 years of African solidarity and striving towards peace, development and prosperity for all.
“People must live in an atmosphere of peace and stability for any meaningful and sustainable development to take place. The Golden Jubilee is an opportunity to reflect on many fronts in national development,” Mr Sata said.