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.