Dedza Prison is the prison located in the town of Dedza, in the central region of Malawi, at the foot of Dedza Mountain (7,211 feet or 2,198 meters).[1] The prison was built to provide a secure and safe environment for prisoners, offer rehabilitation programs and vocational training, and prepare inmates for reintegration into society upon release.

Dedza Prison
Map
LocationKasungu, Malawi
Coordinates14°20′S 34°20′E / 14.333°S 34.333°E / -14.333; 34.333
StatusOperational
Security classMaximum (male and female)
Capacity600
Opened1920
Managed byMalawi Prison Service

The aim of the prison is to contribute to the reduction of crime and the promotion of community safety through the incarceration and rehabilitation of offenders.[1]

History

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Formation

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Dedza Prison was established in the 1920 during the colonial era of Nyasaland (now Malawi). The prison was part of the colonial administration's efforts to establish a formal criminal justice system in the region.[2]

Structures

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The prison complex consists of several buildings, including cellblocks, dormitories, kitchen and dining areas, administrative offices, a hospital wing, a chapel, recreational spaces, and vocational training workshops.[3]

Facilities

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Dedza Prison offers basic amenities to its inmates, including cells with bunk beds and shared facilities, a kitchen and dining area, a hospital wing with basic medical care, a chapel for religious services, recreational spaces for exercise and leisure activities, and vocational training workshops.[1]

Capacity

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The capacity of Dedza Prison is not specified, but it is one of the 23 district prison stations managed by the Malawi Prison Service.

Vision

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The vision of Dedza Prison is to become a model correctional facility in Malawi, providing humane and effective rehabilitation programs for prisoners.[1]

Mission

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The mission of Dedza Prison is to provide a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment for prisoners, preparing them for successful reintegration into society.[1]

Challenges

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Dedza Prison faces challenges such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate funding, similar to other prisons in Malawi.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Online, Nation (2023-11-27). "Concern over 226 remandees in Dedza | Nation Online". mwnation.com. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  2. ^ https://malawi24.com/tag/dedza-prison/
  3. ^ "UN Supports Prison Farm". www.unodc.org. Retrieved 2024-05-31.