Zambia, Angola to start exchange of prisoners program

Angolan Home Affairs Deputy Minister Jose Bamoquina Zau

The Zambian and Angolan governments are in the final stages of implementing the treaty on the exchange of prisoners aimed at addressing the problem of overcrowding, capacity building, rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders.

The treaty, which was signed in 2009, will also help meet the international minimum standard rules on the treatment of offenders and other international treaties on the rights of inmates where both countries are parties.

Speaking during a high level meeting between the two countries in Lusaka today, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Colonel Gerry Chanda says Zambia has a total of 28 Angolan prisoners across the country with 18 ready to be repatriated once negotiations are concluded.

Colonel Chanda says unfortunately, one Angolan inmate recently died while in custody and the body is in Kabwe mortuary awaiting for further instructions from relatives of the deceased.

He adds that the Angolan mission in Zambia was informed about the untimely death of the inmate and are fully aware of the body that is lying in the Kabwe hospital mortuary.

Colonel Chanda further told the Angolan delegation that on 25th May, 2015, Republican President Edgar Lungu commuted and pardoned three death row Angolan inmates based on the relationship the two countries have had.

Speaking at the same event, Angolan Home Affairs Deputy Minister Jose Bamoquina Zau says Angola has abolished the death sentence considering that a human life is sacred.

Mr.Zau has since thanked President Lungu for pardoning three Angolan inmates who were on death row saying Angolans are grateful for the gesture.