Mzuzu Central Prison

Location	Mzuzu, Malawi
Coordinates	11°27′29″S 34°00′54″E / 11.45807°S 34.015131°E / -11.45807; 34.015131
Status	Operational
Security class	Maximum (male and female)
Capacity	800
Opened	1956
Managed by	Malawi Prison Service

Mzuzu Central Prison is a prison in Mzuzu City in Mzimba District, Malawi.^[1] The prison was built to address the growing need for a secure facility to hold criminals and political dissidents in the Northern Region of Malawi.^[1][2][3]

The prison was established in 1956 during the British colonial era, with the aim of detaining and rehabilitating offenders from the northern region of Malawi. Initially, the prison had a small capacity, but it has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate the growing inmate population.^[1][4]

Mzuzu Central Prison has a range of facilities to support the rehabilitation and well-being of inmates, including:^[1][5][6]

• Cellblocks with separate sections for male and female inmates
• Solitary confinement units for disciplinary cases
• Recreation yards for physical activity and exercise
• Kitchen and dining areas for meal preparation and consumption
• Hospital ward for medical care and treatment
• Chapel for religious services and counseling
• Workshop areas for vocational training and skills development
• Library and education facilities

Mzuzu Central Prison has a maximum capacity of approximately 1,500 inmates, although it often holds more due to overcrowding. The prison population consists of male and female inmates, including those on remand and convicted prisoners.^[1]

Mzuzu Central Prison has held several notable inmates throughout its history, including:

• Political dissidents and activists during the one-party rule era
• High-profile criminals, including murderers, robbers, and fraudsters
• Notorious gang leaders and members

The primary objectives of Mzuzu Central Prison are:^[1]

• To provide a safe and secure environment for inmates and staff
• To rehabilitate offenders through vocational training, education, and counseling
• To prepare inmates for reintegration into society upon release

The aim of the prison is to contribute to the reduction of crime in Malawi by providing a conducive environment for the rehabilitation and reformation of offenders.

The vision of Mzuzu Central Prison is to become a model correctional facility in Malawi, providing effective rehabilitation programs and producing law-abiding citizens upon release.

The mission of the prison is to provide a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment for inmates, staff, and the community, through effective management, efficient resource allocation, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Mzuzu Central Prison faces several challenges, including:^[7][8]

• Overcrowding, which poses security risks and health concerns
• Inadequate resources, including funding, infrastructure, and personnel
• Poor living conditions, including inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities^[8]
• Limited access to education and vocational training programs
• High recidivism rates among released inmates