Malawi Prisons Service

01/09/2026

The Malawi Prisons Service (MPS) is pleased to announce the shortlisted candidates, who applied for the position of Prison Recruit Warder, Grade N, to attend interviews.

Click the links below to check your name according to your Region.

NORTHERN REGION
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ovlwyDYdZQvAGu37DapSsiogqpObIiKy/view?usp=sharing

CENTRAL REGION
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D_Ox7iKgnoBC5OGGS70v3S41F7eR137W/view?usp=sharing

EASTERN REGION
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dSx8-m3g-2eP-druSfo0nw7DVfYzApQp/view?usp=sharing

SOUTHERN REGION
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FvQCNSTco_Lk4dHMUH-CZRYKiteriviA/view?usp=sharing

26/08/2026

MACHINGA JOINS HANDS WITH MALAWI PRISONS SERVICE ON NON-CUSTODIAL SENTENCES

_By: Insp. Alfred Damaliphetsa Phiri, Ass. PRO- Prisons Headquarters_

Stakeholders in Machinga have thrown their weight behind the Malawi Prisons Service’s push for Non-Custodial Sentences, describing the approach as key to decongesting prisons and promoting rehabilitation.

The endorsement was made on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during a stakeholder engagement meeting organized by the Malawi Prisons Service to unpack provisions of the new Prisons Act, particularly on alternatives to imprisonment.

Setting the tone for the meeting, Commissioner of Prisons for Community Corrections and Reintegration Services, Mrs. Milda Salilika, appealed for collaborative efforts to spur the implementation of Non-Custodial Sentences.

She urged stakeholders to take the message to their communities for better understanding.

Mrs. Salilika further explained that Non-Custodial Sentences such as probation, community service, and public works help decongest prisons and reduce costs associated with inmate upkeep.

"Let me also request the Council to consider allocating land for the construction of a prison facility in this district so that people should not travel long distances to visit their relatives in prison. This will also help in decongesting our prisons," she stated.

Echoing the call for partnership, Eastern Region Commanding Officer, DCP Mr. Thomas Natson Damba, commended stakeholders for attending the meeting and assured them that MPS is ready to work with communities in implementing Non-Custodial Sentences.

Traditional leadership also threw its weight behind the initiative. Paramount Chief Kawinga welcomed the approach, saying communities are ready to support alternatives to imprisonment, noting that the model has several advantages for both the Malawi Prisons Service and communities.

The Traditional Leader pledged to engage the Council to map the way forward on having a prison facility in the district. He also assured MPS of his support in enhancing community awareness on prison matters.

"Let us all join forces in the implementation of Non-Custodial Sentences for their success. As a community we work hand in hand with police through community policing. This should also be the same with the Malawi Prisons Service for the work to be easier," he said.

Local government weighed in as well. Council Chair for Machinga, Counsellor Steven Mkwatula, commended MPS for organizing the eye-opening meeting to discuss important issues regarding Non-Custodial Sentences.

The message also resonated with faith leaders. In a separate interview, Rev. Patrick Shonga of Malawi Assemblies of God, who represented the Liwonde Pastors Fraternal, expressed satisfaction with the engagement. He said religious leaders had for a long time been in the dark about prison matters.

"I assure you that I am going to disseminate this message to congregants as well as my fellow pastors so that they also know about this new development taking place in the Malawi Prisons Service," he disclosed.

Looking ahead, with the enactment of the new Prisons Act, MPS says it is geared for more community awareness campaigns to keep communities abreast with new developments being undertaken in the Service.

20/08/2026

PRINCIPAL SECRETARY DR. ESMIE KAINJA HAILS VOCATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING AT ZOMBA CENTRAL PRISON

_By: Glr. Jonas Nyasulu, ERPHQs-PRO_.

The Principal Secretary of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Dr. Esmie Kainja, who was the guest of honour at the vocational skills graduation ceremony at Zomba Central Prison, has touted the program, saying it is in line with the adult education which her ministry is implementing.

Dr. Kainja said this on August 18 this year at the facility during the graduation of 56 inmates who received certificates for completing their vocational training in tailoring and designing, brick laying, barbering, carpentry and joinery, and welding and fabrication.

The training program is being implemented at the facility by DVV International in partnership with Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA).

Dr. Kainja said that as a ministry, they believe that any adult learning should lead to development, and hailed Zomba Central Prison for its critical role it is playing in ensuring that this is brought to life.

She further said skills development is very important to inmates because once they go back to their communities, they will use the same skills to be productive citizens of their communities.

She also said the skills development is directly linked to Malawi Agenda 2063 in which there is an enabler of mindset change, saying they want inmates to be transformed after serving their sentences, be productive and reintegrate into their communities.

She added that there is also another enabler which is human capital development which aims at developing human beings to be productive and therefore, this program is very important to inmates.

Speaking earlier, Regional Commanding Officer, Mr. Thomas Damba (DCP), hailed DVV International, CHREAA, and Germany Embassy for their critical roles they are playing in ensuring that inmates acquire skills and knowledge in various vocational trades.

Mr. Damba highlighted that the provision of vocational training and life skills to inmates is helping to reduce reoffending and ease community reintegration.

The Germany Embassy Deputy Ambassador, Andreas Hartmann, said he is delighted to see inmates acquiring valuable skills and knowledge in various vocational trades, and that Germany is happy that the financial assistance it renders towards the program is bearing fruits.

Hartmann said the Malawi-Germany cooperation continues to be of great importance and that they are proud of the program due to its impact among inmates.

One of the graduating inmates, Yohane Mataka, who received a certificate in Tailoring and Designing, hailed DVV International and CHREAA for introducing the training program, saying it is helping to empower them economically once discharged from prison.

On his part, CHREAA executive director Victor Mhango, said since the inception of the training program five years ago, a total of 303 inmates have acquired skills and knowledge in vocational trades and that he is happy that none of the inmates have gone back to prison.

DVV International Regional Coordinator for Southern Region, Dr. Johann Heilmann, said the training program is aimed at empowering inmates to be economically-empowered once discharged from prison.

Heilmann hailed instructors and members of staff for their wonderful work in imparting skills and knowledge to the inmates.

In his welcoming remarks, Zomba Central Prison station officer, Mr. Guston Malisye (ACP), said the graduating inmates are the first 2026 graduates who started their training on April, 2026.

He said they started with 77 recruits this year and that due to unforeseeable circumstances, only 56 trainees have graduated and that 8 of them graduated in absentia since they benefited from the recent Presidential Amnesty.

The ceremony started with inspection of items made by the graduating inmates, and the Cultural Troupe as well as the Prison Strings Band entertained people with traditional dances and captivating songs.

19/08/2026

MPS LAUNCHES AWARENESS DRIVE ON NON-CUSTODIAL SENTENCES

__By: Insp. Alfred Damaliphetsa Phiri, Asst. PRO - PHQS__

The Malawi Prisons Service, through its Community Corrections Directorate, has embarked on an awareness drive with stakeholders on the implementation of non-custodial sentences.

The awareness meetings began in districts without prison facilities, including Salima, Mchinji, Machinga and Phalombe.

Speaking during the stakeholders' meeting in Salima on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Commissioner of Prisons for Administration and Human Resource, Mr. Clement Kainja, emphasized on the importance of community involvement in the new approach to sentencing.

"Non-custodial sentences will help decongest prisons and save government resources. Let us all support this new approach," he said.

Salima District Council Chair, Councillor Fazil Adams, commended the Malawi Prisons Service for introducing the new Act to enhance non-custodial sentences. However, he noted that Salima District also deserves a prison facility to address the challenge of transporting convicts to distant prisons in Nkhotakota and Lilongwe.

Traditional leaders also voiced their support. Senior Chief Maganga expressed gratitude to MPS for engaging stakeholders to deepen their understanding of prison work, particularly on non-custodial sentences, which many people are not familiar with.

She disclosed that land for constructing a prison facility is already available, and the responsibility now rests with MPS to facilitate the process.

"We will be very grateful to have a prison facility. This would be a major development and a great motivation for us," she said.

The meetings follow the enactment of the Prisons Act No. 23 of 2025, which established Community Corrections to enforce non-custodial sentences as provided for under Section 25 of the Penal Code.These include Probation, Public Works, and Community Service, among others.

The aim of these awareness meetings is to enhance understanding of these Non-Custodial Sentences for successful implementation.

Stakeholders attending the meetings include traditional leaders, members of the clergy, officials from District Councils, the Judiciary, the Police, and the media, among others.

13/08/2026

MALAWI PRISONS BRASS BAND LIGHTS UP CHIRADZULU AS WORLD VISION MARKS 15 YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT

_By Inspector Suzgo Silungwe, PRO, Malawi Prisons Band_

The Malawi Prisons Brass Band on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, lit up Chiradzulu with a vibrant performance during a ceremony marking the end of World Vision's 15-year investment in communities in the district.

The ceremony was held at PIM Primary School Ground in the area of Traditional Authority Onga and brought together government officials, World Vision representatives, traditional leaders and community members.

The Malawi Prisons Brass Band started the day's programme with a march from PIM Market to PIM Primary School Ground, where the main activities and performances took place.

For 15 years, World Vision has invested in various development initiatives in Chiradzulu, including potable water, agricultural empowerment, entrepreneurship and mindset change.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, MP, thanked World Vision for partnering with the Government of Malawi and supporting development in rural communities.

Dr. Phiri urged communities to protect and maintain the projects and resources left behind by World Vision.

"As World Vision is going, let us maintain what they have invested in us. That is the only way to appreciate that their investment has helped us," said Dr. Phiri.

He also called on Malawians to take responsibility for protecting government resources and ensuring that development projects continue benefiting communities.

The Malawi Prisons Brass Band's performance added colour and excitement to the ceremony, demonstrating the Band's role in supporting national, institutional and community events through music.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of World Vision's 15 years of development work in Chiradzulu and the handover of activities and investments to the communities and relevant stakeholders.

10/08/2026

LILONGWE PRISON WOMEN REACH OUT TO SPOUSES OF FALLEN OFFICERS

_By: Glr. Stephano Zimba & Wdr. Emma Ngwata – LL Prison PROs_

Over the weekend, spouses of prison officers and female officers from Lilongwe Prison demonstrated compassion and solidarity by reaching out to families of officers who lost their lives while serving in the Malawi Prisons Service.

The women donated essential items worth over MK1,200,000 (One Million and Two Hundred Thousand Kwacha) to bereaved families. The packages included rice, cooking oil, salt, sugar, and other household necessities.

The gesture aimed to show love, care, and continued support to families who lost loved ones in the line of duty.

The initiative was held under the theme:
“Together in Love and Support: Caring for the Families of Our Fallen Heroes."

The event sought to remind the families that although their loved ones are gone, they remain valued, remembered, and part of the wider Malawi Prisons Service family.

The Guest of Honour was Magrene Chadza, wife of Central Region Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons, Mr. Ian Chadza. She commended the women of Lilongwe Prison for their unity and compassion.

"I greatly appreciate what the women of Lilongwe Prison have done. This shows true unity. Please do not stop this good work," she said.

Chadza further encouraged individual acts of kindness.

"Let each one of us remember these families in our own small ways. We do not always have to wait until we meet as a group. Even a simple visit, a greeting, or sharing what little we have can make a difference," she said.

She also urged the women to extend the same spirit of care to their own homes, saying homes should be places of comfort, strength, and emotional support.

In her remarks, Chrissy Chibwe, spouse of the Officer-In-Charge of Lilongwe Prison, Mr. George Chibwe, ACP, thanked the women for volunteering their time and resources.

Inspector Elizabeth Ngwale Usi, Chairperson of the organizing committee, said the initiative was about more than material donations.

"What we shared today may seem small, but the love behind it is much bigger. We want these families to know that they are not alone. They are remembered, and they will always remain part of our Prisons family," she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Selina Amiel, wife of the late Glr. Mphatso Amiel, expressed gratitude for the support.

"I am very happy and grateful for what the women have done for our families. I did not expect to receive such gifts, and this has really touched my heart," she said.

The event also included a spiritual reflection where Jacqueline Chisi, spouse of the station’s Discipline Officer, A/Supt. Justin Chisi, read Genesis 45:1–5. This was followed by a sermon from one of the women, Rose Funsani, on love, compassion, forgiveness, unity, and supporting one another during difficult times.

The spiritual messages reinforced the day’s theme and the importance of standing together with families facing loss and hardship.

The gathering concluded with songs, fellowship, and a shared meal, creating an atmosphere of love, unity, and togetherness among spouses, female officers, and beneficiary families.

08/08/2026

MALAWI PRISONS SERVICE, JUDICIARY DEEPEN COLLABORATION ON COMMUNITY SERVICE TRANSITION

_By: Wdr. Grace Chunga – Ass. PRO PHQs_

The Malawi Prisons Service, in collaboration with the Judiciary and other criminal justice stakeholders, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the implementation of community service as a key non-custodial sentence aimed at reducing prison congestion and promoting offender rehabilitation.

The commitment was made during a Community Service Directorate Transition Meeting held on August 7, 2026 at Mango Lodge in Zomba.

The meeting brought together delegates to discuss the transfer of Community Service personnel and responsibilities from the Judiciary to the Malawi Prisons Service, following the enactment of the Prisons Act of 2025.

Presiding over the meeting, Commissioner General of Malawi Prisons Service, Ms. Wandika Phiri, welcomed the Judiciary delegation and described the transition as a significant milestone in strengthening Malawi’s criminal justice system.

"This meeting is vital because it will help the Malawi Prisons Service better understand the responsibilities, mandate, and statutory powers that have shifted between our two institutions. Above all, it will provide a practical approach to implementing Community Service Orders," said Commissioner General Phiri.

She added that the Service has already begun laying the foundation for its expanded mandate. Key steps so far include the recruitment of Parole, Probation and Public Works Officers, the procurement of a motor vehicle and motorcycles with support from the European Union to enhance supervision and monitoring, and the engagement of a consultant through the 'Chilungamo II Programme' to develop parole regulations.

The Commissioner General further emphasized that the success of the transition will depend on continued collaboration and public support.

"The Malawi Prisons Service recognizes the important role that stakeholders play in the successful implementation of non-custodial sentences. We therefore intend to conduct stakeholder meetings and public awareness campaigns in selected pilot districts to ensure communities understand and support these reforms," she said.

During deliberations, participants noted that community service remains one of the most effective interventions for decongesting prisons while ensuring that offenders remain accountable and continue contributing positively to their communities.

The meeting also reviewed progress made so far. To date, 485 community service cases have been registered.

Participants further discussed challenges such as re-arrests, confirmation of sentences once court files are processed, and compliance with bail conditions. They acknowledged the need for stronger coordination among criminal justice institutions to improve case management and offender supervision.

Looking ahead, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration, harmonizing operational procedures, and ensuring the effective implementation of Community Service Orders under the new legal framework.

In his closing remarks, Honourable Deputy Chief Registrar responsible for Reforms, Hon. Austin Msowoya, commended participants for their dedication and constructive engagement.

"I commend everyone for your commitment and active participation. I also thank the Malawi Prisons Service for bringing us together to deliberate on important issues affecting the Community Service Directorate. Through continued collaboration, we can strengthen our justice system and enhance the implementation of community service programs," he said.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the Malawi Prisons Service, the Judiciary, and other justice sector stakeholders to work collectively towards the successful transfer and implementation of the Community Service function.

This transition is expected to strengthen the administration of non-custodial sentences, improve offender rehabilitation and reintegration, and contribute significantly to the decongestion of Malawi’s prisons.

04/08/2026

BVUMBWE COMMUNITY MEMBERS IMPRESSED WITH RJPB MESSAGE

_By: Insp. Alfred Damaliphetsa Phiri, Ass. PRO-PHQs & Wdr. Loveness Mwale, Ass. PRO-Thyolo Female Prison_

Community members under Senior Chief Bvumbwe in Thyolo were today, 4th August 2026, acquainted with the Restorative Justice and Peace Building (RJPB) message during a community awareness campaign.

The campaign was organized by Bvumbwe Young Offender Rehabilitation Centre under the leadership of Officer-In-Charge, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons, Ms. Patuma Chalimba.

The event attracted a large audience who actively participated in a question and answer session to gain a deeper understanding of the programme.

Ms. Chalimba said RJPB programme is very important because it fosters peace between offenders and victims. She noted that such reconciliation minimizes reoffending and, in turn, helps to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

She further called on community members to embrace the RJPB programme, saying it also enhances the successful reintegration of offenders into the community.

Group Village Headman William, speaking on behalf of Senior Chief Bvumbwe, commended the Malawi Prisons Service for introducing the RJPB programme. He said it promotes peace in society once victims and offenders have reconciled.

In an interview, Ward Councillor for Bvumbwe-Ngomano, Chifuniro Patford, also expressed delight with the RJPB programme. He stated that forgiveness between offenders and victims can lessen the burden created by conflict. He commended the organizers of the event for delivering such a timely message.

Wendyam Natacha Kyendrebeogo, RJPB Project Assistant for Mennonite Central Committee, said when there is peace between victims and offenders, there are high chances of successful reintegration into the community. She appreciated everyone who turned up to learn about RJPB.

The function was also attended by officers from Bvumbwe Police Station, as well as prison officers from Thyolo and Makande Prisons.

The Malawi Prisons Service Brass Band, together with poetry, dancing, and comedy performances, added colour and excitement to the occasion.

20/07/2026

19/07/2026

NORTHERN REGION PRISONS SET AGENDA FOR 2026/2027 FINANCIAL YEAR

_By: Insp. McDonald Migolo & Wdr. Marrium Zaiti, PROs-NRPHQ_

Northern Region Prisons Headquarters convened its Annual Management Meeting on July 17, 2026, at Chisanga Conference Lodge in Luwinga, Mzuzu.

Senior officers from across the region gathered to deliberate on strategic priorities that will steer operations for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Opening the meeting, Northern Regional Commanding Officer (RCO-N), Mr. Alex Makunganya, DCP, applauded officers for their continued discipline and professionalism at all stations.

He singled out Chitipa, Nkhata Bay, Karonga, and Mzimba Prisons for their remarkable contributions to Government Account Number One through income-generating rehabilitation programmes.

The RCO also recognized Mzuzu Prison for spearheading Restorative Justice and Peace-Building initiatives, describing them as a major step toward the successful reintegration of offenders into society.

“Every station’s challenge is a regional challenge,” Mr. Makunganya said, as he called on stations to collaborate in resolving operational challenges.

With the new financial year already in its first quarter, much of the discussion focused on budget performance and resource management. The RCO underscored the need for careful budgeting and the effective distribution of resources in line with regional goals.

He further emphasized that sound financial management, accountability, and responsible use of resources are critical to improving efficiency and ensuring smooth service delivery across the region.

Agriculture was another major focus. The meeting reviewed the 2025/2026 farming season and the RCO urged all stations to evaluate their yields, celebrate successes, and address production setbacks.

Looking to the next season, Mr. Makunganya noted that El Niño conditions are expected to bring moderate rainfall to the Northern Region. He, therefore, challenged stations to prepare in advance by adopting appropriate farming methods, planning crop production wisely, and utilizing available resources efficiently to boost yields.

Stations also presented updates on prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, sharing experiences and best practices aimed at strengthening these efforts.

The RCO expressed optimism that the resolutions made during the meeting would translate into improved operations at station level.

Participants left the meeting re-energized and committed to implementing the agreed strategies for the benefit of both staff and inmates.

The meeting brought together Officers-in-Charge and Station Officers from all prisons in the Northern Region.