THE recent appeal by former Chifunabuli Member of Parliament, Ponde Mecha, for President Hakainde Hichilema to pardon Emerine Kabanshi deserves careful consideration. Kabanshi, a former Minister of Community Development and Social Services, is currently serving a sentence for willfully failing to follow procedures related to the Social Cash Transfer program. Her health, however, has reportedly deteriorated significantly, raising the urgent need for empathy and justice tempered with compassion. The principle of justice must always aim for rehabilitation and fairness, but it should also reflect humanity, particularly when health challenges become a dominant factor. Kabanshi, who suffered a stroke and is undergoing therapy for a debilitating condition, continues to serve her punishment with little advocacy for clemency. This silence is troubling, particularly when compared to the vocal campaigns for leniency directed at her male counterparts convicted under similar circumstances. As Mr. Mecha rightly noted, Kabanshi’s contributions to the nation are undeniable. As Minister of Community Development, […]
Pardon sick Emerine Kabanshi
