Wandika Phiri

Last updated
Wandika Phiri
Nationality Malawian
Known forleading the Malawi Prison Service
SuccessorMasauko Ng’ombeyagwada

(Grace) Wandika Phiri became the Commissioner General for the Malawi Prisons Service in 2017.

Life

In 2017, Malawi's President, Peter Mutharika, made important appointments that won the approval of gender activists. Phiri became the head of the Malawi Prison Service while Mercy Pindani and Belinda Gombachika were appointed to lead the Kamuzu College of nursing. [1] [2]

During her first year she faced a challenge because of discontent caused by the differing employment conditions between police officers and prison warders. She warned that staff needed to work normally while salary harmonisation was addressed and she threatened to charge those who did not comply with mutiny. [3]

In January 2020 she went to the prison in Ntcheu where a new water system had been installed. The facility had been paid for by the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian synod in Blantyre. [4]

In August 2020 the prison officers were dealing with prisoners and the risk of affection from COVID-19. Phiri thanked the Minister of Homeland Security Richard Chimwendo Banda when he visited and reassured the prison officers that an additional allowance would be paid. [5]

Homeland Security Minister, Jean Sendeza, ordered an investigation in 2022 over the smuggling of phones into prisons. She wanted the criminal activities of prison officers involved to be stopped and she demanded a report in seven days. Phiri stated that all holes would be sealed. [6]

In 2023 she was moved to the President's office and Masauko Ng’ombeyagwada took over her role. [7]

References

  1. ↑ "Gender activist hails appointment of Wanika as first female Chief Commissioner of Malawi Prisons: Expect positive reforms". www.nyasatimes.com. 2017-06-29. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  2. ↑ Nzangaya, Archangel (2017-06-27). "Mutharika appoints woman as Malawi prison chief Malawi 24". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  3. ↑ Nzangaya, Archangel (2017-07-17). "Prison warders face mutiny charges Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
  4. ↑ Mitumba, Flora (2020-01-21). "CCAP Blantyre Synod Blesses Ntcheu Prison with Water System Facility" . Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  5. ↑ Mitumba, Flora (2020-08-03). "Govt Assures Prison officers of Covid-19 Risk Allowance" . Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  6. ↑ Ngwira, Robert (2022-06-02). "All Warders Involved In Phones Syndicate at Zomba Prison To Be Interdicted" . Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  7. ↑ Ngwira, Robert (2023-04-18). "Masauko Ng'ombeyagwada appointed as new Malawi Prisons Service Chief" . Retrieved 2025-04-14.


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