3 prison warders summoned for stoning bosses

Zomba Central Prison officer in-charge (OC) Hardscot Mtegha yesterday suspended three warders on suspicion that they masterminded the stoning and insulting of the new Chief Commissioner of Prisons Wandika Phiri and other prison bosses.

Phiri and her team had gone to the prison to ask the warders to disperse from the correctional facility’s main entrance that was sealed with huge tree trunks and handcuffs on Monday.

Sources said yesterday the protesting warders resolved to return to their normal duties as one officer responsible for finances was called to a meeting to discuss the harmonisation issue in Lilongwe.

However, the sources said three of their colleagues, including a female warder, were called to Mtegha’s office where they were ordered to stop wearing prison uniform and to surrender any prison equipment they possessed.

Mtegha denied summoning or suspending any officer. But when asked about the whereabouts of the three warders, he cut off the telephone line.

Few hours later, the suspended warders were recalled and told to resume their duties today, according to sources.

The situation was calm at the prison as the main entrance was open allowing visitors to cheer up their relatives as well as inmates were seen around with warders around the cooler performing different activities compared to the last four days when inmates were locked up.