Maula Prison is a maximum-security prison located in Lilongwe, Malawi.[1]

Maula Prison
Map
LocationLilongwe, Malawi
Coordinates13°58′S 33°47′E / 13.967°S 33.783°E / -13.967; 33.783
StatusOperational
Security classMaximum (male and female)
Capacity500
OpenedJanuary 1971
Managed byMalawi Government

History

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Formation

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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

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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

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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

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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.

References

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  1. ^ Banning-Lover, Rachel (2016-07-29). "Behind the walls of Malawi's harshest prisons – in pictures". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  2. ^ Kalumbi, Mike (2022-12-25). "Musician Rudo celebrates with young offenders at Maula Prison Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  3. ^ Agency (MANA), Malawi News (2024-01-04). "Maula Prison moves 58 young offenders to Thyolo for exam preparations Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  4. ^ Reporter, Malawi24 (2023-10-12). "Two Baptist Church pastors remanded at Maula Prison over fraud Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-05-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Reporter, Malawi24 (2022-07-18). "Court sends Susu to Maula Prison Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-05-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Reporter, Malawi24 (2024-02-29). "Teveta and Uthunthu take skills development program to Maula Prison Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-05-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)