Maula Prison

Maula Prison is a maximum-security prison located in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Maula Prison

Location	Lilongwe, Malawi
Coordinates	13°58′S 33°47′E
Status	Operational
Security class	Maximum (male and female)
Capacity	500
Opened	January 1971
Managed by	Malawi Government

History

Formation

Maula Prison was established in 1971, during the presidency of Hastings Kamuzu Banda. It was built to replace the old Lilongwe Prison, which was deemed too small and inadequate. The prison was designed to hold 500 prisoners, but it has often been overcrowded, holding up to 1,500 inmates.

Facilities

Maula Prison has several facilities, including:

• Cell blocks for male and female prisoners
• Solitary confinement cells
• A hospital ward
• A chapel
• A workshop for prisoners to learn skills such as carpentry and tailoring
• A farm where prisoners can work and grow food

Notable inmates

Some notable inmates who have been held at Maula Prison include:

• Orton Chirwa, a politician and lawyer who was imprisoned for his opposition to Banda's government
• Gwanda Chakuamba, a politician and opposition leader who was imprisoned for his political activities
• John Tembo, a politician who was imprisoned for his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government

Challenges

Maula Prison has faced numerous challenges, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate food and medical care for prisoners. In 2013, a riot broke out at the prison, resulting in the death of several prisoners and injuries to many others.