Chichiri Prison
 Interactive map of Blantyre Central Prison | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Maximum (male and female) |
| Capacity | 1,200 |
| Population | 2,400 (2026) |
| Opened | 1901 |
| Managed by | Malawi Prison Service |
Chichiri Prison, also known as Blantyre Central Prison, is a maximum-security prison located in Blantyre, Malawi.[1][2]
History
[edit]Formation
[edit]Blantyre Central Prison was established during the British colonial era, with the aim of detaining and rehabilitating offenders from the southern region of Malawi.[1]
Capacity
[edit]The facility is designed for about 1,200,[3] although it holds many more due to overcrowding. The prison population consists of male and female inmates, including those on remand and convicted prisoners.[4][5][6]
In 2014 Médecins Sans Frontières established a base here and in Maula Prison with four staff at each location.[7] In 2026 the number of inmates was about 2,400 and this was said to be double the capacity it was designed for. A senior officer made an appeal to the public to not discriminate against prisoners after they had served their sentence. The discrimination was thought to encourage re-offending.[3]
Attempts and escapes
[edit]In May 2022, three prisoners escaped from Chichiri Maximum Security Prison in Blantyre after digging a hole.[8]
Notable inmates
[edit]Blantyre Central Prison has held notable inmates. It has held drug dealers[4] and Cashgate convict Oswald Lutepo.[9] The prison has allowed entertainment. The singer Piksy performed here in 2018.[10]
In 2021 Jana Gonani was sentenced to nine years for same-sex consensual sexual contact by magistrates in Mongochi. In 2022 she and the Nyasa Rainbow Alliance unsuccessfully appealed against the conviction arguing that it was unconstitutional. Gonani who is transsexual was sent to this male prison.[11]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Griffin, Charles James; Demuth, Walter Edgar (1915). Proclamations, Rules and Notices Relating to the Nyasaland Protectorate in Force on the 31st December, 1914. Government Printer.
- ↑ "Blantyre Prison entrance, Blantyre, Malawi – Decriminalise Poverty & Status". Retrieved 2024-05-28.
- 1 2 Chiumia, Thom (2026-07-19). "Malawi seeks community support to curb prison reoffending - Malawi News | Breaking News, Politics, Business & Sports | Nyasa Times". Retrieved 2026-07-19.
- 1 2 "Chamba dealer sentenced to two years in prison in Blantyre". Malawi 24. 2022-10-05. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ↑ Sambalikagwa, Lindiwe (2020-07-20). "Chisale remanded to Chichiri Prison". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
- ↑ "Parliamentarian wants Chichiri Prison relocated". www.nyasatimes.com. 2012-01-30. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
- ↑ "Gallery: Inside Chichiri and Maula Prisons in Malawi | MSF". www.msf.org. Retrieved 2026-06-27.
- ↑ Kondowe, Russell (2022-05-26). "Prisoners escape from Chichiri Prison". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
- ↑ "Lutepo moved to Chichiri Prison 'on medical grounds'". www.nyasatimes.com. 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
- ↑ Bisani, Luke (2018-06-11). "Piksy celebrates birthday in prison". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
- ↑ "Malawi: Decision to uphold ban on consensual same-sex conduct is a bitter setback for human rights". Amnesty International. 2024-06-28. Retrieved 2026-06-27.
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