AS President Hakainde Hichilema kicked off the festive season by pardoning 759 inmates, the public have been urged to embrace the former inmates so that they can have a sense of belonging and contribute to the society positively.
In a statement, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu said the pardoning of the former inmates aligned perfectly with its commitment to a more humane and rehabilitative approach to justice.
Mwiimbu added that it also underscored President Hichilema’s commitment to restorative justice and the rehabilitation of individuals within the criminal justice system.
The minister highlighted the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS)’s mandate to manage offenders and its role to rehabilite and reform them by equipping them with the skills and support necessary for successful reintegration into society.
Therefore, Mwiimbu hopes the survival skills gained through the ZCS will help the ex-inmates positively contribute to the economic development of the country.
However, Mwiimbu, the Monze Member of Parliament said the former inmates can only contribute to the country’s development once embraced in the community.
“Giving former inmates a second chance is not only a matter of compassion but also a matter of promoting public safety,” Mwiimbu said.
“A sense of belonging is essential for rebuilding lives. Communities play a vital role by offering employment opportunities, housing assistance, and access to social services.”
Mwiimbu reflected the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation that defines Christmas but also amplified Zambia’s accession to the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which happened this year on December 19 to abolish the death penalty.
Meanwhile, Mwiimbu said in order to create a humane and rehabilitative environment in correctional centres, the government is supporting the correctional service to establish Open Air Centres, and construct new and expanding existing centres.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba December 26, 2024
