Decentralisation of open prisons crucial

EDITOR — Before independence the utilisation of open prisons was impressive which induced interest among the people because of the realisation that many prisoners did not require retention in guarded prison enclosures.

The obvious advantages of the open prisons as compared with the conventional prisons, include helping to reduce overcrowding in jails as some would be out re-engaging with society.

It should also be noted that the operational cost of open prisons is far less than that of enclosed prisons and engaging in-mates in open air prisons to do productive work will reduce idleness and keep them physically and mentally fit.

For those who would have been sentenced to more than five years, the open prison system can act as a path to self-improvement. Prisoners could make use of open prisons to advance their education or get vocational skills.

The open prison system widens the scope of rehabilitative process.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers who would have been arrested need to live in a conducive environment, safe and clean considering their conditions. Thus, if decentralisation is approved then it will save lives as in-mates will have time to reintegrate with their loved ones and reduce mortality rates in jails.

Well done Retired Major-General Happyton Bonyongwe for coming up with such an initiative. We hope you will push the matter forward and bring development to prison services. Chakaipa Edison