BLANTYRE—As part of commemorations marking 48 years of independence from Great Britain, Malawi President Joyce Banda has pardoned 377 prisoners.
 
"With powers vested upon me I have pardoned 377 prisoners," Banda said at special prayers marking the day.
 
Banda, however, said she has refused to pardon critically ill prisoners who are serving time for defiling young girls.

"One of them has serious liver problem but we will bury him if need be because he knowingly doomed the future of young girl whom he raped repeatedly," Pres Joyce Banda "One of them has serious liver problem but we will bury him if need be because he knowingly doomed the future of young girl whom he raped repeatedly," she said.
 
Malawi gained independence from Great Britain in 1964 after 70 years as a British protectorate. Previously the day used to be celebrated with a big event in the commercial capital, Blantyre, followed by nationwide parties.

But Banda, who took over power on April 7 following the sudden death from cardiac arrest of President Bingu wa Mutharika, order a scale down of the events because government was broke.
 
"There is no money for celebrations," she said.
 
Apart from the prayers the other event marking the day will be a football match between Malawi's Flames and the African champions Chipolopolo of Zambia.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.