The Malawi Prison Service’s decision to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras inside prison cells has brought renewed attention to the long-standing crisis of crime, corruption and weak controls within the country’s correctional facilities—while raising questions about privacy, reform and effectiveness. Announcing the plan, Malawi Prison Service (MPS) Eastern Region Deputy CommissionerThomas Dambasaid the move is aimed at curbingmoney fraud and other criminal activities perpetrated by inmates from inside prison cells, particularly mobile money scams that have surged in recent years. At the centre of the problem is theeasy flow of contraband into prisons.
Mobile phones, SIM cards and other prohibited items routinely find their way into cells, allowing inmates to run sophisticated fraud schemes targeting unsuspecting members of the public. “We continue to register mobile money fraud cases where some inmates dupe unsuspecting citizens,” Damba said, noting that these crimes are often coordinated from within prisons. Several factors have contributed to this situation: The absence of real-time oversight has effectively turned some prison cells into command centres for criminal operations, undermining public trust in the justice system.
Under the plan, CCTV cameras will be installed in prison cells across the Eastern Region, with a rollout expected within the year. According to Damba, the system will make it easier to monitor inmate behaviour, identify offenders and curb malpractice. MPS Eastern Region Head of ICTFarooq Wasiesaid the move reflects a broader shift toward digital systems within the service.
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“These interventions clearly indicate that we are embracing ICT in the digital era,” Wasie said, adding that officers have been encouraged to propose technology-driven solutions to improve service delivery. The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has also expressed support, with its Head of ICTChristopher Chilengasaying the bank is ready to collaborate with MPS, including introducing scanning machines to detect prohibited items before they enter prisons. If effectively implemented, the CCTV initiative could have several positive impacts: However, the move is not without controversy.
Human rights advocates are likely to raise concerns aboutprivacy and dignity, especially if cameras are installed inside cells without clear safeguards, guidelines and oversight. There are also practical concerns: technology alone may not solve the problem ifcorruption, poor conditions and understaffingremain unaddressed. Without strict controls on access to CCTV footage and firm disciplinary action against officers who enable contraband smuggling, critics warn the system could become another expensive but ineffective reform.
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