The Malawi Prison Service has refuted rumours hovering on social media that cashgate convict Oswald Lutepo has been freed by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.

Last week President Mutharika pardoned 143 prisoners as part of 54th Independence Celebrations. The news was followed by speculations that Lutepo is among inmates who have been freed.

But MPS Spokesperson Julius Magombo trashed the rumours, saying Lutepo is still serving his 11 jail sentence at Chichiri Prison.

“The truth of the matter is that Lutepo is still serving his sentence at Chichiri Prison,” said Magombo.

Weeks ago Lutepo was quoted at MIJ radio pleading with President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to release him on health grounds.

Lutepo was slapped with 11 years jail sentence in 2015 after being convicted on two counts of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud government money amounting to MK4.2 billion.