In a surprise move, three Cabinet ministers, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner General of the Malawi Prisons Service descended on Kachere Women’s Prison on Saturday, December 27, 2025, to assess the welfare of inmates and identify potential candidates for presidential pardon, particularly during the festive season.
Led by Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, the delegation included Minister of Justice Charles Mhango, Deputy Minister of Homeland Security Norman Chisale, and Commissioner General of Prisons Wandika Phiri.
According to Yusuf Tambala, Kachere Prison Assistant Public Relations Officer, Navicha expressed commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all Malawians, including those serving sentences. The minister was pleased with the facility’s management, noting that female inmates were enjoying their rights and privileges.
“As a ministry, we look at the welfare of every citizen, including our friends who are here and those in other reformatory centres,” she said.
Deputy Minister Norman Chisale said the visit aimed to understand the challenges faced by all-female inmates, assuring support for Kachere Prison and other facilities nationwide.
“I came here to inspect operations and appreciate the challenges affecting female inmates,” he said.
The visit provided an opportunity for prison officials to highlight operational challenges. Senior Superintendent Timverane welcomed the ministers, saying they were pleased with the visit, which gave them a platform to explain operations and challenges.
Minister of Justice Charles Mhango and Attorney General Frank Mbeta pledged to review inmate files for presidential pardon eligibility.
Commissioner General Phiri cited congestion, with 162 inmates against an intended capacity of 80, as a pressing issue, hoping the pardon would ease it.
