Veteran politician Uladi Mussa has called on courts to consider giving non-custodial sentence for minor offences to reduce the congestion in prisons and also suggested ordering such offenders to engage in community service instead of imprisonment to decrease the number of inmates in the country’s prison

Mussa pleaded this on Wednesday at Zomba Maximum Prison, where he served part of his six-year jail sentence, to cheer the sick inmates.

“Life is really tough in prison when one is sick and indeed the prisoners are suffering, my life changed when I was convicted that is why, I have given myself the title of prison ambassador and will do everything possible to fight for inmates rights.” He said.

Meanwhile, Zomba Central Prison inmate and ward number 11 president Alfred Stephano thanked Mussa for the visit and the items he donated.

“Honourable Mussa was my cell mate and we were moved together from Dedza Prison to Zomba before he was moved to Maula and later pardoned” he said.

However, Centre for Human Rights Education and Advice and Assistance executive director Victor Mhango agreed with Mussa, saying they have been advocating the same but the government seems not interested in reforms in the justice system.

“Most convicts easily fall ill due to congestion. Government must decongest prisons.” Mhamgo said.

Mussa was imprisoned in 2020 for fraudulently issuing citizenship and work permits to foreigners.