Lunda-Sul: A total of five citizens, most of whom were serving sentences of 1 year and 7 months, were released on Monday from the Luzia prison in Saurimo City, Lunda-Sul Province, as a result of a Presidential Pardon. This initiative is part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of National Independence, which will be observed on November 11th.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the individuals released include Coronel Txissola, Custódio António, Mucuta Nelo, Oswaldo Punga, Pedrito Katchokwe, and Salvador Alfredo. During the release event, Adelaide Boma, the acting presiding judge of the Saurimo District Court, urged the former inmates to exhibit exemplary behavior upon their return to society, highlighting the importance of showing repentance and utilizing the skills acquired during their imprisonment to reintegrate successfully.
The judge also addressed those not included in the pardon, encouraging them to adhere to guidelines and maintain dignified conduct to be considered for future pardons.
Joaquim Domingos, the director of the Prisonal Services of Lunda-Sul, expressed confidence that the released individuals would not pose a threat to society, noting the comprehensive rehabilitation they underwent.
Among the released, Colonel Txissola, who had served 8 months, expressed gratitude towards President Joo Lourenço and vowed to improve his behavior. Custódio António, who was serving a sentence of 1 year and 7 months, shared that he gained computer skills during his time in prison and intends to continue his education to secure employment.
The Presidential Pardon initiative covered 150 citizens across 19 of the 21 provinces in the country. Luzia prison, with a population of 527 inmates-comprising 362 detainees and 185 convicts-is situated 20 kilometers from Saurimo City.