LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A high-level government delegation, led by Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, has visited Kachere Prison to assess the dire living conditions of female inmates.
The prison is currently holding 162 women, double its official capacity of 80, highlighting severe overcrowding that compromises inmate welfare, safety, and dignity.
The delegation, which included Minister of Justice Charles Mhango, Deputy Minister of Homeland Security Norman Paulosi Chisale, and the Attorney General, engaged with prison authorities and stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the facility.
They emphasized the need for urgent and coordinated interventions to decongest the prison, improve inmate welfare, and ensure safety in line with national laws and human rights standards.
The visit comes amid reports of inhumane treatment, inadequate food, and poor living conditions for women inmates.
Inmates have shared harrowing accounts of struggling to access basic necessities like water, with one tap serving 30 women, leading to fights and tensions among prisoners.
Minister Navicha, a vocal advocate for women’s rights, has been working to promote gender equality and empower women in Malawi.
Her visit to Kachere Prison underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the plight of female inmates and ensuring their rights are protected.
The government delegation’s visit is expected to catalyze reforms aimed at improving prison conditions and addressing the systemic issues contributing to overcrowding.
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