An inmate at Kachere Prison in Lilongwe has appealed to government to help people who have spent years on remand awaiting the conclusion of their cases.
Maria Chimimba Phiri, who was sentenced to 17 years for assault and has served five years, made the appeal during a visit to the prison by the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus.
Phiri, who is also waiting for a murder case, said some inmates have spent as long as eight years on remand, while others have been waiting for five and three years.
She appealed to government to consider helping such inmates, including reviewing charges for those who have spent lengthy periods behind bars awaiting the conclusion of their cases.
The Parliamentary Women’s Caucus visited Kachere Prison to appreciate the challenges facing inmates and prison officers, including access to legal representation and the welfare of mothers and children.
Speaking during the visit, caucus chairperson Mary Maulidi Khembo said the engagement had enabled women parliamentarians to understand the challenges facing inmates.
Khembo also commended the prison for initiatives aimed at equipping inmates with skills and maintaining high standards of cleanliness at the facility.
Officer-in-charge of Kachere Prison, Moreen Timverane, commended the caucus for visiting the facility and giving them an opportunity to share their concerns.
“We are more than happy today to see our parents visiting us here. This is our chance to share the challenges we are facing, and as lawmakers, we have delivered our concerns,” said Timverane.
Lawmaker for Lilongwe City Bwaira Constituency, Precious Kabambe, said the visit would help address challenges faced by inmates and prison officers.
“We, as Members of Parliament, will discuss all the concerns that inmates and officers have shared because we represent the people,” said Kabambe.
Kabambe added that the oversight visit was aimed at assessing the welfare and living conditions of inmates and officers, with particular focus on health and sanitation.
The Parliamentary Women’s Caucus also donated 84 cartons of washing soap and 84 wrappers worth K5 million to inmates and some prison officers.
