Africa-Press – Malawi. Malawi’s popular Gospel musician Thocco Katimba has called on President Lazarus Chakwera to come out and pardon a 19-year-old Mussa John who will now spend 3 years of his productive life in jail for being found in possession of 134 kilograms of Indian hemp locally known as Chamba.
His call comes barely a day after High Court in Blantyre announced the reduction of Mussa’s sentence from 8 years to 3 years. Writing on his Facebook page, Katimba feels the new sentence landed on the young boy still harsh for his age.
“Our Dear President Dr Lazarus Chakwera , I strongly believe that you are a caring father full of love and compassion.
“As a nation particularly the youths, we are crying and begging you to act within your stipulated powers to pardon the young boy MUSSA JOHN who has been sent to prison for reasons better known to the prosecutor and Judges.
“Mr.
President Sir, assuming your page is managed by someone else or if at all you have advisors who care about your legacy, I beg of them to pass on this humble request to you your Excellency to free MUSSA JOHN on presidential pardon.
Bwana President, misonzi ya anthu osawuka omwe chiyembekezo chawo ndi inuyo ndipo tikudziwa kuti mumawayika pamtima panu…Lero yasanduka nyanja yosowa powolokera. Tichitireni chifundo, mumasuleni MUSSA JOHN. Ndatha ine mwana wanu, Thocco Katimba. ”
On the other hand,Hip-hop musician Penjani Kaluwa better known by his stage name Fredokiss who announced to parade against Mussa’s first 8 year custodial sentence on September 15, 2022 in Blantyre says he will proceed with the parade despite the reduced sentence.
He describes the sentence as clear application of selective justice. “He should be released immediately. Facts around that case are clear. They are in the public domain.
“15th September we are parading. We have no choice. Aluta Continua,” wrote Fredo on his Facebook page. Mussa John was arrested in June this year for being found in possession of the illicit drug.
But his conviction and sentence have created heated debate with human rights groups questioning the country’s justice system and wondering how others have received lesser harsh punishments for a similar offence.
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