Lilongwe Central Prison

Lilongwe Central Prison

Location	Lilongwe, Malawi
Coordinates	14°00′S33°35′E / 14.000°S 33.583°E / -14.000; 33.583
Status	Operational
Security class	Maximum (male and female)
Capacity	2,500
Opened	1910
Managed by	Malawi Prison Service

Lilongwe Central Prison is a prison in Malawi in Lilongwe District. It has a rated capacity of approximately 2,500 inmates, although it often holds more due to overcrowding. The prison houses male and female inmates, including those on remand and convicted prisoners. ^{[1] [2]}

Mission

The mission of the prison is to provide a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment for inmates, staff, and the community, through effective management, efficient resource allocation, and collaboration with stakeholders. ^[1]

Lilongwe Central Prison intends to become a model correctional facility, providing effective rehabilitation and a safe and secure environment for inmates and staff.

History

Lilongwe Central Prison was established in 1910 during the British colonial era, with the aim of detaining and rehabilitating offenders from Malawi's central region. The prison addressed the growing need for a secure facility to hold criminals and dissidents. Initially, the prison had a small capacity; it was expanded and renovated over the years. ^[1]

Facilities

Lilongwe Central Prison has a range of facilities to support the rehabilitation and well-being of inmates, including: ^[3]

• Perimeter walls and fencing. ^[1]
• Cellblocks with separate sections for male and female inmates

• Solitary confinement units for disciplinary cases

• Recreation yards for physical activity and exercise

• Kitchen and dining areas for meal preparation and consumption

• Hospital ward for medical care and treatment

• Chapel for religious services and counseling

• Workshop areas for vocational training and skills development

• Library and education facilities

• Sports facilities, including a soccer field and basketball court

Inmates

Lilongwe Central Prison has held several notable inmates throughout its history, including: ^{[1] [4]}

• Political dissidents and activists during the one-party rule era

• High-profile criminals, including murderers, robbers, and fraudsters

• Gang leaders and members

• Corrupt government officials and businesspeople

Facilities

Lilongwe Central Prison facilities include: ^[1]

• The main prison block, which houses most inmates

• The women's wing, which accommodates female inmates

• The remand section, which holds inmates awaiting trial

• The maximum-security section, which holds high-risk inmates

• The hospital ward, which provides medical care and treatment

• The chapel, which offers religious services and counseling

• The workshop areas, which provide vocational training and skills development

• The library and education facilities, which offer educational programs and resources

Challenges

Lilongwe Central Prison challenges include:

• Overcrowding, which poses security risks and health concerns

• Inadequate resources, including funding, infrastructure, and personnel

• Poor living conditions, including inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities worsened by overcrowding

• Limited access to education and vocational training programs

• Failed rehabilitation programs resulting in high recidivism rates among released inmates

References

1. "Malawi prison conditions still worse: 79 inmates die due to crowding, police brutality- report - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2013-04-30. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
2. Nzangaya, Archangel (2024-01-22). "Likulu la ndende lasamutsidwira ku Lilongwe Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
3. "Malawi Relocates Female Inmates to Female-Only Prisons". Voice of America. 2023-10-18. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
4. "Malawi ex-minister Uladi sentenced to 6 years in jail over passport scandal: Nyekhwe! - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2020-10-22. Retrieved 2024-05-27.