Zambia and Malawi have exchanged their inmates who were detained in their respective countries’ prisons for a variety of offences.
Zambia received the transfer of 30 Malawian nationals who were detained in Zambian prisons, while Malawi turned over nine prisoners who were being held there.
Paul Simasiku, the deputy commissioner of the Zambian Correctional Service, watched the prisoner transfers that took place at the Mwami Border. The prisoners will now finish serving their prison terms in their own nations.
Receiving the Zambian nationals during the exchange exercise, Simasiku thanked the Malawian government for releasing the incarcerated Zambians to authorities in their home country.
He claimed that transferring prisoners to serve their sentences in their home countries will make it easier for them to reintegrate after serving their terms.
Simasiku also hoped that other nations would follow the modern management of correctional facilities and exchange convicts as a result of the movement of prisoners.
He also valued the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that had been reached with Malawi regarding the transfer of prisoners.
“The inmate transfer exchanges between our two countries have been conducted at different levels since the first Ministerial exchange, which took place in 2013. Therefore, this clearly demonstrates a commitment by the Zambian and Malawian governments to upholding the rights of inmates as stipulated in our respective Transfer of Convicted Persons Acts,” he explained.
Additionally, the prisoners have been instructed to maintain the strictest discipline as they finish the remainder of their terms.
“It will be so disappointing for you to abuse the opportunity you have been accorded of serving your custodial sentence in your country of origin. Utilise this opportunity to learn more life skills now that some of your challenges may be reduced considering that you will be closer to your homes and family,” Mr Simasiku said.
“Rather let this closeness with your families be an opportunity to create impetus for future family re-integration,” he added.
And Malawi Prisons Service Commissioner In-Charge of Operations, Wiscot Masauko said the continued exchange of inmates exhibits the cordial relationship between the two countries.
The chance for effective rehabilitation when offenders are brought closer to their communities and relationships is provided by the exchange of inmates, he continued, making it an important effort in the management of correctional facilities.
“In a way, this reduces reoffending and subsequent overcrowding of facilities based on the family tie-up concept. The importance of this arrangement therefore cannot be overemphasised. It is for that reason that this exercise will continue and we pray to have these undertakings regularly and as when the need arises,” he said.