20 Feb 2025

Assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Augustine Nyatanga says accountability is vital for effective service delivery and combatting corruption within the prison system.

 “We also want an improved and enhanced super effective service delivery,” Mr Nyatanga said in his address to prison officers at the Gerald Centre for Illegal Immigrants on February 18, he said

He further urged officers to conduct themselves with discipline to ensure they fulfilled their duties and reassured the public of their commitment to their mandate. Mr Nyatanga highlighted the need to reassess the profile of offenses to provide appropriate support, particularly for those incarcerated due to gender-based violence (GBV).

He suggested that these inmates should be referred to psychosocial programmes, psychologists, and pastors to facilitate proper intervention.

Addressing the future of the prison system, Mr Nyatanga called for a rebranding effort, advocating for a shift from traditional prison systems to correctional services focused on rehabilitation.

“I want to take this aspect of rehabilitation and link it to where we want to go,” he said, expressing the vision for prisons to evolve into institutions that prioritise the rights and rehabilitation of inmates.

Further, Mr Nyatanga discussed the pressing need for a bargaining council to advocate for the welfare of prison officers. He also issued a stern warning against the assault and injury of inmates, condemning reports of abuses by prison staff.

“Prison officers must follow proper measures of punishment rather than resorting to violence,” Mr Nyatanga stressed, urging them to abandon unethical behaviour such as forming relationships with inmates or engaging in drug trafficking.

He noted that there were concerning reports of substance abuse and smuggling of contraband like smartphones within the prison facilities.

The Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Anthony Mokento, expressed gratitude for the Assistant Minister’s visit, recognising it as a pivotal step toward fostering a closer working relationship between him and the prison officers. ENDS