A growing number of Malawians are calling for the release of two young Tanzanian traders who were recently sentenced to three months in prison after being caught selling belts and other small items on the Malawi side of the border.
The call for compassion was sparked by popular social media influencer Kalawe, who took to Facebook pleading with authorities to pardon the two, describing them as innocent youths simply trying to make a living.
In his emotional appeal directed at Deputy Minister of Homeland Security, Norman Chisale, Kalawe wrote: “Please, big man, let them out, pardon them. It’s better to just send them home. These people are not terrorists, they are our fellow Africans. When we go to their homes, they welcome us warmly.”
He went on to urge Malawians to embrace the spirit of African unity, reminding followers that many Malawians also live and trade in other African countries without proper permits.
“Please release them, ONE AFRICA. These borders were imposed on us. I cry for these two, free them,” Kalawe added in a Chichewa post.
The post has since drawn attention with Malawians echoing his sentiments that the young traders deserve mercy rather than imprisonment.
Others, however, have cautioned that while empathy is important, the country’s laws must still be respected and applied fairly.
