Namibian Correctional Service to release inmates following presidential pardon and reprieve

The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) announced the release of a designated group of offenders following a Presidential Pardon and Reprieve. The proclamation, effective March 21, 2024, authorizes the release under Article 32(8) of the Namibian Constitution. A total of 2,228 individuals will be released, including those incarcerated in correctional facilities and those serving community supervision. 

The breakdown is as follows:

• Incarcerated Offenders:
  • Pardoned: 313
  • Reprieved: 1,108
• Community Supervision Offenders:
  • Pardoned: 709
  • Reprieved: 98

This represents a release program impacting over a quarter of the current inmate population (4,330) and nearly 15% of those on community supervision (1,574). The NCS will provide further details regarding the release process in the coming days.