Whilst it is not in dispute that the President acted within the confines of the law and in exercise of the powers vested in him by the Constitution, which everyone seems to be aware of, it would appear there are some quarters who seek to challenge the decision taken by the President in this matter. The motivation of this is clearly to try to discredit the government and the President.
We wish to remind those concerned that HE the President has so far pardoned 2008 prisoners, six of whom had been convicted of murder. It is therefore not the first time that His Excellency exercises the powers vested in him by the Constitution under Section 53. Previously, before President Khama took office, the prerogative of mercy had been exercised in accordance with Section 53 of our Constitution where on at least two occasions members of the security forces were pardoned after being convicted of murder. This was done following a thorough assessment of the plea for clemency as presented by those representing the convicted persons.
