Chichiri Prison

Chichiri Prison, also known as Blantyre Central Prison, is a maximum-security prison located in Blantyre, Malawi.^[1][2]

Blantyre Central Prison

Location	Blantyre, Malawi
Coordinates	15°48′10″S 35°0′21″E
Status	Operational
Security class	Maximum (male and female)
Capacity	800
Opened	1901
Managed by	Malawi Prison Service

History

Formation

Blantyre Central Prison was established during the British colonial era, with the aim of detaining and rehabilitating offenders from the southern region of Malawi.^[1]

Capacity

The facility of approximately 2,000 inmates, although it mostly holds more due to overcrowding. The prison population consists of male and female inmates, including those on remand and convicted prisoners.^[3][4][5]

Attempts and escapes

In May 2022, three prisoners escaped from Chichiri Maximum Security Prison in Blantyre after digging a hole.^[6]

Notable inmates

Blantyre Central Prison has held several notable inmates throughout its history, including musicians, politicians and other groups.^[3][7][8]