Findings of a Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) investigation into human rights abuses at Mikuyu 1 Prison in Zomba have compelled Ministry of Homeland Security to probe the matter separately, Nation on Sunday has learnt.
Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma confirmed on Thursday.
Ching’oma said: “The Ministry of Homeland Security is on the ground doing investigations on the alleged atrocities and will make a statement at an appropriate time.”
MHRCs investigations uncovered gross human rights abuses from burning inmates’ their private parts to severe beatings leading to death and secret burials.
According to the findings, a copy of which we have in our possession, prison officers on duty sanction beatings of inmates orchestrated by long–termers, locally known as anyapala.
The findings state that the human rights abuses negatively impact the nmates’ mental well-being.
As a State entity, the Malawi Prisons Service is mandated to uphold the rights and freedoms of the inmates as stipulated in Malawi’s Constitution.
According to Section 15 (1) of the Constitution, human rights and freedoms are supposed to be respected and upheld by the Executive, Judiciary, State organs and its agencies.
In an interview on Thursday, Malawi Prisons Service spokesperson Steve Meke said the institution is yet to receive a copy of the findings.
But Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance (Chreaa) executive director Victor Mhango said on Thursday that torture remains a serious violation of both domestic and international law.
He said torture must not be permitted in any correctional facility.
Mhango called for an immediate investigation into all implicated officers and accountability for perpetrators.
Mhango said: “There must be support for victims, including psychosocial care and legal assistance. Chreaa remains committed to working with partners, including MHRC and the Prison Inspectorate to ensure justice and human rights are upheld for all.”
MHRC’s investigations, which took place between January 23 2025 and January 26 2025 compelled by a whistleblower, established that inmates are beaten to complete tasks during working hours, even when sick.
“If they [inmates] reported sick, they were beaten, as prison officers assumed they were pretending. As a result, several sick prisoners collapsed either on their way to the farm or while working,” reads a copy of the report.
“They further alleged that 15 nyapalas were the main perpetrators of inmate beatings and provided their names. Additionally, they claimed that seven prison officers were responsible for beating inmates during working hours. Names of the officers have been mentioned to the commission.”
Some of the victims of such abuses told MHRC that in 2022, five inmates were assaulted on their private parts while working and that some of them died and buried at a prison-owned Chimpeni/Mingoli Farm.
They further told the commission that the deceased’s relatives were told the missing inmates had completed their sentences and had been released. Their names were also given to MHRC during the investigations.
The inmates further detailed how a female prison officer also uses derogatory language, afflicting their mental health.
“Amatitukwana za mukabudula amai Makhazi. Dzina la Makhazi tinangowapatsa koma si dzina lawo lenileni [an officer we nicknamed Makhazi curses us often],” explained the inmates during focus group discussions.
One of the nyapalas told MHRCs investigation team that inmates who refuse to share food from their visitors would often be beaten as authorised by prison officers.
A nurse from Zomba Central Hospital, Alice Nkhoma, told MHRCs investigations team that many inmates she attended to fell ill due to stress and depression, attributing the situation to harsh living conditions.
She further said the most prevalent health issues among inmates included malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhoea and adult malnutrition.
While acknowledging the issue of malnutrition, an inmate admitted to Zomba Central Hospital’s Ward 11 said abuse and torture led to widespread depression among them.
“He also cited long working hours as a contributing factor, saying prisoners work from 6am to 12pm, then resume from 12.30pm to 4.30pm, sometimes even working beyond these hours,” further reads the report.
“He alleged that inmates have been fainting during working hours due to beatings and hunger. He added that some prisoners resort to eating maize seeds and if caught, are beaten by the anyapala.”
According to the inmate, they are forced to beg for water while working and are sometimes denied access to it with the farm manager often dismissing their requests.
Senior inmates who were engaged during the investigations also confirmed that prison officers were guilty of promoting abuse and torture.
They further confirmed that derogatory statements are made towards the inmates, especially during their working hours.
It further reads: “Uzapuma kumwamba, loya Kasambara anamwalira ndiye palibe angakuyimile iwe, tamagwira ntchito [You will rest in Heaven, lawyer Ralph Kasambara is dead, so no one can defend you].”
Following the findings, the report—signed by MHRC chairperson Chikondi Chijozi-Jere, recommends that within three months from the date of its issuance, roles of senior inmates must be revoked and that Malawi Prisons Service must consider extending their sentences.
“These findings demand urgent corrective action, institutional reforms and accountability measures to uphold the dignity, health and life of every incarcerated individual,” reads the report.
