Zalida Andrew was among five others convicted of trafficking 26 kilograms of heroin/Michael Daniel/Eye Radio).

A young woman convicted for drug trafficking is among the 16 prisoners pardoned by President Salva Kiir in his New Year address.

Zalida Andrew Aliza was arrested alongside two Kenyans and two Nigerians by the anti-drug department in November 2020 at Juba International Airport.

She was charged by the High Court in Juba under Article 383 of the South Sudan Penal Code Act 2008 for unlawful involvement in dangerous drug dealings.

The young woman and other convicts were in possession of 26 kilograms of heroin.

Zalida was then convicted to five years in prison and transferred to Yambio Central Prison.

However, she was granted a presidential pardon along with Allahjaba Yaba Elisama, Simon Juma Pia, and Michael Bisco Siyo from Yambio Prison.

President Kiir also pardoned Nasr Aden El Haj Mohamed, Emmanuel Suleiman Benjamin, Abraham Nhial Mayen, Garang Anyang Garang, Demach Ajak Demach, Akina Benson, and Samuel Hakim from Juba Central Prison.

Meanwhile, juvenile offender Tony Salah Legar was pardoned from Juba Reformatory School.

Deng Yol Yuel, and John Aliec Amoi were also pardoned from Rumbek Central Prison respectively.

In Kuajok Central Prison, the president also pardoned Akol Jal Apai and Manut Luak Kiir.

In his order read on the State-run SSBC last evening, Kiir directed the concerned authorities to execute the order.