As the Malawi National Assembly is set to deliberate on a private members bill meant for the repeal of the penal code provision of the Death penalty during the 2024/2025 Budget seating, Reprieve together with ArtGlo brought together key stakeholders to appreciate the lived experiences of some inmates who were on death row, but not pardoned and commuted to life imprisonment at Zomba Central Prison.
The Honorable member of the Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament, Yusuf Mthenda, Paramount Chief Kawinga, Chief Annie Magwira from Domasi, Legal Counsellors, Religious leaders, and the Media took their time to appreciate the stories of the inmates, interact with prison officials and visit the cells of the inmates.
“Before my death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, I used to have fear of the unknown, for I didn’t know when I was going to be executed. We were confined in the condemned cells which is barred from outside contact.” Narrated one of the inmates.
He further said that President Chakwera’s pardon has helped to ease the psychological trauma that he used to have and pleaded for the abolition of the death penalty. Reacting to the same, Paramount Chief Kawinga encouraged them to prioritize peace with everyone and urged them to hold on to their faith to reduce stress.
“Good character is wealth since it has the power and gives room for further reduction of the sentences. I pledge my support and I will play my critical role to ensure that the death penalty is abolished.” Emphasized Yusuf Mthenda in concurrence with the Chief.
The religious leaders offered moral and spiritual support to the inmates housed in the once-condemned block. At the far end of the block, is a room where inmates under death sentence would be executed. Since multiparty politics from 1994, none of the presidents has signed for the execution of an inmate on death sentence. So, in essence, we could say there is an unofficial moratorium on the provision.
Meanwhile, one of the legal advocates for the abolition of the death penalty, Chipiliro Lulanga, shared that his team has been able to secure the re-sentencing of 160 convicts who have shown good behavior. It is worth noting that none of these inmates have returned back for other offenses as others have assumed influential positions in their communities.
Speaking on behalf of Reprieve, Alexiuos Kamangila pleaded with the parliamentarians to take this opportunity and follow other countries that have abolished the death penalty. He said; “If we could view the provision from the systematic perspective, we could see that we cannot continue as a country commuting offenders to death with no president willing to sign the execution list. It means something is already wrong with the death penalty.”
