Executive Director for the rights body, Victor Mhango has told Zodiak Online that the President has powers to pardon prisoners who have shown good character in prison hence we are asking him to pardon, Patrick Mwafulirwa who was arrested for defilement charges in 2018.

`` We are not saying Patrick did not commit the offense. But we want him not to lose the opportunity to continue his studies,’’ says Mhango.

Court sentenced Patrick to 9- years imprisonment with hard labor at the Mzuzu Prison where he immediately enrolled for secondary school studies. He has remained with 19 months before he finishes his sentence.

Four years into his sentence, Patrick sat for 2020, Malawi School Certificate of Education, and passed 17 points. He was later selected to pursue a Bachelor of Social Science in Nursing and Midwifery studies.

Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Kasunda has told us that the president’s office has received the letter which had now been referred to the Ministry of Justice for action.

Said Kasunda: ``The process of pardoning prisoners is done by the Ministry of Justice and this letter in question had been referred to the responsible office.

Reports show that Patrick Mwafulirwa is also taking part in teaching his fellow inmates at the Mzuzu Prison Secondary school.