The Prisons Care and Counselling Association (PRISCA) has attributed the worsening congestion in Zambia’s correctional facilities to the slow implementation of the Camp Court program, which is intended to reduce the inmate population.
Last week, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri revealed that Zambia’s correctional facilities are severely overcrowded, with the current inmate population exceeding recommended capacity by over 300%.
Speaking to RCV News in Lusaka today, PRISCA Executive Director Godfrey Malembeka urged judges to visit prisons and grant bail to eligible inmates, citing the excessively harsh conditions currently in place.
“More than 1,500 inmates are awaiting bail, and mobile courts must intervene to release at least 1,000 to create space in correctional facilities,” said Mr. Malembeka.
He further called on the government to take immediate action by providing adequate funding for mobile courts and revising stringent bail conditions.
Mr. Malembeka also criticized the prolonged piloting of mobile courts, emphasizing that the program must be fully implemented and properly financed to effectively address the crisis.
By Melissa Zaza
