New rehabilitation Efforts Inspire Inmates at Chichiri
By: Enock Chitemwe
Approximately 2,400 inmates of Blantyre Prison at Chichiri in Blantyre are seeing a glimmer of hope for transformation in their lives; thanks to ongoing outreach by family, friends, and various organizations.
The Southern Region Prisons Interfaith Council (SOREPIC) is leading efforts to provide counselling and support to help inmates reintegrate successfully into their communities upon release.
Bishop Khetwayo Banda, Chairman of SOREPIC in the South, addressed inmates during a recent Interfaith Crusade, emphasizing that not all prisoners were guilty of the offenses levelled against them.
“These people are our fellow human beings; they need our time, our ear, and our emotional comfort,” Banda stated.
The event featured motivational talks from several speakers, including Yunusu Sani of Y. San Inspirations, Pastor H. Chisale, Evangelist James Billy, and Sheikh Ishmael Tung’ande, a notable comparative daee.
Sani urged inmates to remain hopeful and ambitious, advocating for the use of their time in prison to plan for future endeavours.
He highlighted the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), who used his time in prison productively, and later rose to a prominent position.
“The inmates might be game changers for the country’s economic situation if they venture into businesses once released,” Sani said. “God punishes a human being for committing a sin, while humans punish each other for being caught sinning.” he added.
SOREPIC, established in 2015 and operational since 2022, aims to transform inmates’ lives through a combination of spiritual, social and economic interventions. These include interfaith prayers, sports, talent promotion, fundraising, and academic training.
Among the 2,400 prisoners at Chichiri, 218 are Muslims. To support their religious practices, the Asian Community, led by Sharuq Ansar, is constructing a mosque within the prison.
An inmate spiritual leader praised SOREPIC’s efforts, noting the significant impact on inmates’ mind-set. He, however, called upon well-wishers to render their support in kind and materially, as there is usually lack of basic necessities in prisons. Prisons struggle to provide minimal additional support beyond daily meals.
On July 6, 2024, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera pardoned 35 prisoners in celebration of Malawi’s 60th Independence. The pardon was granted to inmates who had served half of their sentences, elderly prisoners, female convicts with children, the chronically ill, and those demonstrating good behaviour.
The recent crusade was further spiced up with cultural performances including songs, comedy, and poetry, and was also attended by Abduqarim Gandah, Chairman of the National Dawah Association.
This renewed focus on rehabilitation and support underscores a broader commitment to transforming the lives of inmates and facilitating their successful reintegration into society
