As the country cerebrates 51 years of independence on Monday with the big invent at Kamuzu Stadium in the commercial capital Blantyre, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has pardon 268 prisoners.

This has been disclosed in a Press statement from Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security made available to FaceofMalawi.

According to the statement, the 268 prisoners who have been pardoned are those who have served at least half of their prison sentences, with good behavior and were not convicted of serious offences.

“The Pardon of the 268 prisoners is a symbol of forgiveness as the country celebrates its 51st year of independence,” reads in part the statement.

Meanwhile President Mutharika will lead Malawians in celebrating the day on Monday July 6,2015.