Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Samuel Tembenu has backed President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for pardoning cashgate convict Esnart Ndovi.

Earlier this month, President Mutharika pardoned 378 prisoners as part of celebrations marking the country’s 53 years of independence and Ndovi was among the beneficially.

The decision to pardon Ndovi attracted debate on the social media with others questioning the move, considering the gravity of the crime.

Reacting to the claims, Tembenu backed Mutharika for the decision, saying Ndovi has not been enjoying good health.

“It is not the intention of government to be pardoning people with serious offences. When pardoning people, we look at those who have served at least half of their sentences, those not convicted of murder charges and probably not Cashgate.

Esnart Ndovi has not been enjoying good health. She has been constantly seeking specialised medical attention. Sometimes you consider such factors. And she is not the first one to be considered for pardon on that ground,” Tembenu was quoted in the Daily Times.

Ndovi was expected to be released from custody in February next year.