Crackdown raised on crimes inside Malawi Prisons

The Malawi Prison Service (MPS) reports that it has seized more than 500 mobile phones, 1,000 SIM cards, 5 kilograms of Indian hemp, and various other prohibited items since the introduction of advanced scanning machines at Zomba Central Prison.

According to MPS Spokesperson Steven Meke, these confiscations are a result of an initiative that began in 2025 in collaboration with the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).

Meke stated that the implementation of this technology, along with additional security measures, has transformed Zomba Central Prison into a more secure environment for the reformation and rehabilitation of offenders.

The pilot initiative, launched by MACRA and MPS at the facility, aims to combat digital fraud and other crimes reportedly committed by inmates.