Malawi Prisons Service (MPS) says the recent allegations of torture and degrading treatment of female inmates do not reflect the situation in the country’s correctional facilities.
The accusations, published in a study titled Narratives of Incarcerated Women in a Prison and conducted by researchers from Mzuzu University, Livingstonia University and Dublin University, detail incidents of physical abuse, forced labour and neglect.
However, MPS spokesperson Steve Meke in response to our questionnaire denied the claims, describing them as inconsistent with the correctional philosophy guiding prison management in Malawi.
“We are not aware of such abuses and cannot tolerate such malpractices, which are deemed unprofessional and inhumane,” he said.
Meke emphasised that punitive measures have no place in a system that prioritises rehabilitation over retribution.
He outlined reforms implemented by MPS to improve inmates’ lives, especially women.
Among them, they established all-female prisons at Kachere and Thyolo which have introduced rehabilitation programmes such as hairdressing and tailoring.
“These programmes are designed to equip female inmates with skills to reintegrate into society,” said Meke.
Meke added that MPS has also prioritised healthcare for female prisoners, working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure adequate medical support.
In addition, infrastructure
improvements, including the construction of a modern kitchen at Kachere Prison, aim to enhance living conditions.
“This ensures women in prison are given good meals at all times,” said Meke.
Despite these advancements, the findings in the study paint a starkly different picture.
Female inmates reported collective punishments, physical abuse and shortages of basic necessities such as water.
Meanwhile, allegations of being forced to perform “frog jumps” or roll in mud for hours have drawn widespread condemnation, with prisoners describing the treatment as degrading and inhumane.
Centre for Human Rights, Education, Advice and Assistance (Chrea) executive director Victor Mhango has urged prison authorities to investigate the allegations.
“If torture is happening, it constitutes a gross violation of human rights and must be addressed immediately,” he said.
Mhango also highlighted broader challenges in the prison system, including poor sanitation, inadequate facilities for women and a lack of support for female-specific needs such as menstruation and childcare.
While acknowledging that prisons generally adhere to human rights standards better than other institutions, he warned against complacency.
Mhango attributed some abuses to rogue officers who misuse their authority and called for the enactment of a new Prisons Act to replace the outdated 1966 legislation.
“The current law promotes harsh punishments and this may contribute to mistreatment within the system,” he argued
