Maula Prison Explained
Prison Name: | Maula Prison |
Location: | Lilongwe, Malawi |
Coordinates: | -13.9667°N 80°W |
Status: | Operational |
Classification: | Maximum (male and female) |
Capacity: | 500 |
Opened: | January 1971 |
Managed By: | Malawi Government |
Maula Prison is a maximum-security prison located in Lilongwe, Malawi.[1]
History
Formation
Maula Prison was established in 1971, during the presidency of Hastings Kamuzu Banda. It was built to replace the old Lilongwe Prison, which was deemed too small and inadequate. [2] The prison was designed to hold 500 prisoners, but it has often been overcrowded, holding up to 1,500 inmates.[3] [4] [5]
Facilities
Maula Prison has several facilities, including:[6]
- Cell blocks for male and female prisoners
- Solitary confinement cells
- A hospital ward
- A chapel
- A workshop for prisoners to learn skills such as carpentry and tailoring
- A farm where prisoners can work and grow food
Notable inmates
Some notable inmates who have been held at Maula Prison include:
- Orton Chirwa, a politician and lawyer who was imprisoned for his opposition to Banda's government
- Gwanda Chakuamba, a politician and opposition leader who was imprisoned for his political activities
- John Tembo, a politician who was imprisoned for his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government
Challenges
Maula Prison has faced numerous challenges, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate food and medical care for prisoners. In 2013, a riot broke out at the prison, resulting in the death of several prisoners and injuries to many others.
Notes and References
- News: Banning-Lover . Rachel . 2016-07-29 . Behind the walls of Malawi's harshest prisons – in pictures . 2024-05-27 . the Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
- Web site: Kalumbi . Mike . 2022-12-25 . Musician Rudo celebrates with young offenders at Maula Prison Malawi 24 Latest News from Malawi . 2024-05-27 . Malawi 24 . en-US.
- Web site: Agency (MANA) . Malawi News . 2024-01-04 . Maula Prison moves 58 young offenders to Thyolo for exam preparations Malawi 24 Latest News from Malawi . 2024-05-27 . Malawi 24 . en-US.
- Web site: Reporter . Malawi24 . 2023-10-12 . Two Baptist Church pastors remanded at Maula Prison over fraud Malawi 24 Latest News from Malawi . 2024-05-27 . Malawi 24 . en-US.
- Web site: Reporter . Malawi24 . 2022-07-18 . Court sends Susu to Maula Prison Malawi 24 Latest News from Malawi . 2024-05-27 . Malawi 24 . en-US.
- Web site: Reporter . Malawi24 . 2024-02-29 . Teveta and Uthunthu take skills development program to Maula Prison Malawi 24 Latest News from Malawi . 2024-05-27 . Malawi 24 . en-US.