The Namibian Correctional Services have released 230 prisoners who met the criteria to be reintegrated back into society following the presidential pardon announced by President Hifikepunye Pohamba on August 26.
Namibian Sun is informed that the 230 inmates, who were immediately released on August 27, formed part of a total number of 415 who were pardoned by Pohamba.
According to Commissioner Raphael Malobela, another 147 inmates had their sentences reduced.
Earlier this month, Namibian Sun reported that former Ministry of Environment and Tourism Deputy Director Sackey Namugongo, who was serving an eight-year jail term for corruption following his sentence in June 2010, was rumoured to be one of those earmarked for release.
However, Namibian Sun now understands that Namugongo was already released last month.
Namugongo was convicted on 19 counts of corruption under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2003 for pocketing N$332 500 from potential gambling licence holders.
However, Malobela would not confirm or deny Namugongo's release, saying the final list of names would only be gazetted by the end of this week.
He said if former inmates are convicted again, they won't be pardoned again.
"The data consisting of names of pardoned inmates is not yet finalised. We are still busy as pardoned inmates are from all prison facilities countrywide.
"I cannot say who the prominent figure on the list is as that does not serve as criteria during this exercise. We release inmates based on those who meet certain specified categories listed in the gazette," Malobela said.
This is the second presidential pardon that Pohamba has announced. The last one was in 2010 when 504 inmates were pardoned while 494 had their sentences reduced.
According to the proclamation published in the Government Gazette, Pohamba pardoned inmates serving sentences of 12 months or less, who had on August 21, 2013 already served half or more of their sentences.
Pohamba also pardoned inmates older than 60 years, citing the possibility that they will not pose any risk to society when released.
Inmates who were granted reprieve had their sentences reduced by between three and six months.
No inmates convicted of murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm were pardoned.
Inmates serving sentences on housebreaking with aggravating circumstances, drug smuggling, possession of illegal firearms or treason also did not meet the criteria.
WINDHOEK FAITH SANKWASA