6 Police Officers Convicted of Buleya Lule’s Murder Walk Free Under Presidential Pardon

Less than a year after being sentenced to lengthy prison terms for the torture and murder of Buleya Lule, six police officers have been released from prison following a controversial presidential pardon.

According to a report by the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), the officers were among 222 inmates pardoned by President Peter Mutharika during the 2025 festive season. The release has sparked public outrage, given the gravity of the crime and the relatively short time the convicts served.

The officers were convicted in March 2025 for the killing of Lule, who died on February 21, 2019, while in police custody at Lilongwe Police Station. Lule had been arrested in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Goodson Fanizo, a case linked to albinism-related killings.

Before Lule could stand trial, an investigation by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) concluded that he was systematically tortured and killed by police officers entrusted with protecting the law.

PIJ reports that those released include Paul Chipole, who was serving a 20-year sentence; Ikram Malata, serving 18 years; and Richard Kalawire, Innocent Wanda, Maxwell Mbidzi, and Abel Maseya, each serving 15-year sentences. Sources indicate that officers detained at Zomba Maximum Prison were released on Friday, while those at Maula Prison walked free on Saturday.

The six were released alongside other high-profile convicts, including Pika Manondo and Macdonald Kumwembe, who were convicted in 2016 for the attempted murder of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo.

The government announced the release of 222 inmates on New Year’s Day through a statement signed by Secretary for Homeland Security Linda Moyo. As is customary, the statement did not disclose the names of the pardoned prisoners.

Both the Ministry of Justice and the Malawi Prison Service have declined to confirm the identities of the released officers. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango, who also chairs the Presidential Advisory Committee on Pardons, said the law allows the President to pardon convicted offenders.

“For privacy, safety, and security reasons, I cannot disclose or publish the names of prisoners who received a presidential pardon,” Mhango said. “However, Section 89(2) of the Constitution of Malawi clearly grants the President authority to pardon convicted offenders, reduce sentences, or remit punishment.”

Mhango added that the only convictions not subject to presidential pardon are impeachment judgments involving the President or Vice President.

Meanwhile, human rights advocates and legal commentators have raised serious concerns about the decision, arguing that the release undermines accountability, weakens public trust in the justice system, and sends a dangerous message regarding police brutality and abuse of power.

The Malawi Prison Service referred all inquiries back to the Ministry of Justice, while the lead lawyer for the convicted officers, Lugano Mwabutwa, told PIJ he was unaware of his clients’ release.

The development has reignited debate over the use of presidential pardons in serious criminal cases and the broader implications for justice and human rights in Malawi.

Source:PIJ