By Chisomo Phiri
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has exposed serious human rights violations at Mikuyu 1 Prison in Zomba, including allegations of torture that have resulted in the deaths and disappearances of several inmates.
Presenting the findings of a recent investigative report into torture and malnutrition at the facility on Tuesday, MHRC Commissioner Teresa Ndanga confirmed that one inmate died from traumatic injuries sustained after being tortured by anyapala (inmate leaders).
Ndanga further disclosed that the commission has established that five other inmates are missing and are believed to have been killed under similar circumstances.
The report, which is backed by testimonies from former inmates and other witnesses, also exposes a severe food shortage at the prison, which has led to widespread malnutrition among the incarcerated population.
In response to the findings, the MHRC has called on the Malawi Police Service(MPS ) to investigate the whereabouts of the missing inmates.
The commission is also urging prison authorities to immediately abolish the anyapala system and implement urgent measures to address the ongoing food crisis at the facility.
