Minister of Homeland Security, Peter Mukhito, and his Deputy, Norman Chisale, on Tuesday embarked on a tour of several prison formations in Zomba District as part of government efforts to reform inmates through vocational skills development.
The tour, which is part of a wider visit to prison formations in the Eastern Region, is focusing on appreciating vocational training programmes being implemented in prisons, understanding how the institutions operate, assessing challenges they face, and reviewing future plans.
The ministers began their engagements at the National Prisons Headquarters in Zomba before proceeding to Zomba Central Prison, Mpyupyu Prison Farm and Domasi Prison for Young Offenders. Mr. Mukhito is accompanied by Mr. Chisale and other senior government officials.
During the visit to Zomba Central Prison, the two ministers commended inmates for producing high-quality handmade products at the prison workshop. In a show of support, Minister Mukhito pledged MK1.9 million to purchase furniture made by inmates, while his deputy, Norman Chisale, committed MK1.7 million towards the same initiative.
The ministers also toured the tailoring section, where they expressed satisfaction with the quality of textiles being produced by prisoners.
Speaking during the tour, Minister Mukhito encouraged prison officers to continue empowering inmates through skills development programmes, noting that such initiatives are key to successful reintegration of offenders into society.
He further pledged government support towards the establishment of a showroom to market products produced in prison workshops.
