31 Mar 2025

Prison inmates who always display civility increase their chances of being integrated back into the society earlier, says Assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Augustine Nyatanga

Speaking during a tour of Molepolole Prisons recently where he met with prison inmates and officers, Mr Nyatanga said discussions were ongoing on the possibility of re-introducing newspapers and cigarettes into prison. However, he said it was clear these items caused conflicts between the inmates and the warders as some inmates were caught with dagga. 

Mr Nyatanga blamed some inmates for making life difficult for themselves by causing damage to prison property. He advised convicts to fully partake in the rehabilitation programmes noting that they were meant to change their lives. 

The inmates appreciated the visit. One inmate said they wanted former convicts to be engaged in the processes of integrating convicts into the society using their experiences. Most inmates expressed unhappiness with the Prisons Visiting Committee, saying it only listened to their concerns but never returned feedback. They also pleaded for more to be done to help their integration back into the society. Some complained about lack of special diet as per doctors’ prescription for some inmates saying it compromised their health. 

Mr Nyatanga promised to look into their complaints and give feedback. He urged inmates to create a healthy environment between them and the warders. ENDS