University selection not a ticket to freedom, says MPS

Despite securing places at public universities, some inmates in Malawi will not walk out of prison immediately as the Malawi Prison Service (MPS) says lawful procedures must first be followed.

The Service has clarified that some inmates who were selected to pursue tertiary education at various public universities are still in custody.

Speaking to the media, MPS Public Relations Officer, Steve Meke said engagements with key stakeholders are underway to facilitate the process and ensure the affected inmates take up their university places on time.

“As MPS we are engaging key stakeholders to ensure that these inmates proceed to pursue tertiary education at public universities on time,” Meke said.

He, however, stressed that selection for university does not translate to automatic release from prison.

“Being selected to pursue tertiary education at public universities does not mean automatic release from lawful custody,” he said.

Meke said there are processes that must be followed and once those are finalised, the inmates can be lawfully released from custody.

He added that it is the hope of the Prison Service that the inmates will receive the necessary support to enable them to secure their places at the different public universities.