Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Prisons Care and Counseling Association (PRISSCA) executive director Godfrey Malembeka has called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders in improving the conditions of correctional facilities across the country.
Commenting on the recent pardoning of over 900 prisoners, Dr. Malembeka has told Q news that political will in changing the paradigm shift for prisoners has been shown by president Hakainde Hichilema through the pardoning of thousands of prisoners in a short period and thus the need for all stakeholders to also come on board.
Dr. Malembeka says the pardoning of prisoners which helps in de-congesting the correctional facilities should be supported with expansion or construction of new cells as well as refurbishment of the facilities for real change to be seen and felt in the correctional facilities.
He has since urged the church, nongovernmental organizations and other cooperating partners to come on board and partner with government to change the status qou of correctional facilities in the country.
Meanwhile Dr. Malembeka has described the recent pardoning of over 900 inmates after over 2,000 inmates where pardoned by president Hichilema in May this year as an act of generosity.
He has further urging spouses and families of those who have been pardoned to play their role in helping the pardoned easily integrate back into society.
President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday this week pardoned 949 inmates and commuted sentences of 98 inmates to various terms of imprisonment to commemorate this year’s heroes and unity day while on may 25th which is Africa freedom day the head of state pardoned 2,045 inmates and commuted sentences for 607 inmates.