Eight prisoners who were accepted into public universities two years ago are still languishing in jail, prompting human rights activists to warn that the holdup defeats the whole purpose of rehabilitation.
Five of the inmates who wrote the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations in 2023 are Godrick Nkhoma from Mzimba Prison selected to study bachelor of arts in theology and religious studies at Mzuzu University (Mzuni), Paul Tembo from Maula Prison selected to pursue bachelor of arts in humanities at the University of Malawi (Unima) and Austin Chisuse from Blantyre [Chichiri] Prison selected to study bachelor of education at Domasi College of Education.
Others are George Chipwanthe from Blantyre [Chichiri] Prison accepted at Domasi College of Education to study bachelor of education (History and Social Studies) and Ivyone Kalimona from Mzuzu Prison selected to study bachelor of science in water resources engineering and management at Mzuni.
Kalimona is the first female prisoner to gain university admission.
Three others also selected to pursue various degree programmes at public universities wrote their MSCE last year. They are Odala Lambulira from Chichiri Prison selected to study bachelor of arts in history and geography at Domasi College of Education, Chipiliro Mbewe Witca also from Chichiri Prison selected to pursue a bachelor of education arts at Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must) and Bicco Mzilahowa from Mzuzu Prison selected to study bachelor of arts (musicology) at Must.
Human rights activists have warned that delaying to release them not only defeats the purpose of rehabilitation but also sends a discouraging message to other inmates that genuine reform and personal development may go unrewarded.
In an interview on Thursday, Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (Chreaa) executive director Victor Mhango said: “These individuals represent powerful examples of rehabilitation and transformation, the very goals our prison system should aim to achieve. Failing to pardon them on time risks them losing their hard-earned places at the institutions of higher learning.
“We urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure these prisoners are granted the opportunity they’ve worked so hard for. Timely action will restore public confidence in the justice system and demonstrate that second chances are possible and real.”
In March this year, Chreaa wrote President Lazarus Chakwera requesting pardons for the bright inmates.
The letter we have seen, dated March 6 2025, addressed to Chakwera and signed by Mhango reads in part: “You are aware, the university policies only allow students to defer studies for only two years and it is feared that they may lose their admission to the university if they are not released considering that a year has already passed. We, therefore, plead with your office to expedite this matter so that they may begin studies in this year’s intake.”
Mhango stressed that the individuals have served part of their sentences and their behaviour and performance indicate rehabilitation and low societal risk.
A handwritten note on the petition dated March 10 2025, instructed the Ministry of Justice to “act on the matter as soon as possible”.
Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Homeland Security Steven Kayuni in an interview this week confirmed that the issue is before the ministerial pardon committee.
Commenting on the issue, education activist Benedicto Kondowe argued that the prisoners’ success in the examinations, achieved under extremely difficult conditions, deserves recognition and practical support.
He further said that while their incarceration must be respected, the State must explore avenues like conditional pardons to balance justice with rehabilitation.
Said Kondowe: “Denying them the opportunity to further their education risks undermining the very ideals of correctional justice and second chances. If we truly believe in rehabilitation, then society, including government and educational institutions, must act with compassion and foresight to support such rare and commendable efforts.”
On his part, Link for Education Governance executive director Limbani Nsapato urged the government to release the inmates urgently.
He added that there has to be some kind of a bond to ensure that once released they don’t misbehave or engage in the malpractices which led them to prison.
Said Nsapato: “The inmates should also have access to counselling services within the university premises as part of supporting their reform.”
Chakwera pardoned 21 inmates as part of this year’s Easter celebrations.
A statement announcing the pardons indicated that the convicts include those who have served half of their sentence and the chronically ill.
Reads the statement in part: “The prisoners who have been pardoned are those that have met the requirements of the Guidelines for the Granting of Pardon to Convicted prisoners and have demonstrated good behavioural reform while serving their sentences.”
Currently, Malawi prisons accommodate about 17 000 inmates against the holding capacity of 8 000.
