Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema, in commemorating Africa Freedom Day, has exercised his prerogative of mercy on 1,505 inmates whose jail sentences have been pardoned.
Of the number, 708 inmates have been released, while 797 inmates had their sentences commuted to terminable sentences.
A rehabilitated inmate, Wilfred Dreyer, who is currently serving time at the Lüderitz Correctional Facility, urged young people to stay away from drugs, crimes and gang activities.
The Namibia Correctional Services have said that the oldest inmate in custody is 77 years old and is serving a 14-year sentence for murder, while the average age of inmates at the facility is between 29 and 38, according to figures provided by the authorities.
Police in Gobabis have confirmed overcrowding at the Gobabis Police Station holding cells, with 233 inmates awaiting trial currently detained in a facility designed to hold only 60.
Eighteen inmates at the Windhoek Correctional Facility have taken the Commissioner-General of the Namibian Correctional Service to court, saying decisions taken by new officials at the facility have made it difficult for them to continue with their tertiary studies.
For inmates at Windhoek Correctional Facility, Christmas is often the hardest time of year, reminding them of loved ones and familiar traditions that define the festive season.
Former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala told the Windhoek High Court that the Namibian Police continues to disregard existing court orders by transporting inmates in overloaded vehicles without safety provisions.
Offenders at the Divundu Correctional Facility in the Kavango East Region are embracing the pre-release programme.
The programme introduced a year ago, aims to prepare them for their transition into the outside world.
Some offenders at the Divundu Correctional Facility in the Kavango East Region say the educational programmes on offer have given them a new lease on life.
The Divundu Correction Facility is not a place where inmates allow themselves to remain idle.
Ten trial-awaiting inmates escaped from the Onandjaba police holding cells in the Omusati Region on Wednesday.
No arrests have been made so far, and the police are on the ground searching for the escapees.
