The Malawi Prison Service (MPS) has released a press statement warning the general public especially those with relations in prisons against smuggling prohibited items into the prison premises.

The statement signed by MPS spokesperson Evance Phiri says some visitors have developed a tendency of sneaking in articles which are most likely to jeopardize the security of the prisons, and endanger prison officials as well as inmates.

“Some of the items include knives, cell phones, cameras, hacksaws, money, ropes, nails and cannabis (chamba). The prison service wishes to inform the general public that intensive search shall be conducted on any prisoner’s visitor to ensure that they do not smuggle articles into the prisons”, reads the statement.

The statement warns that those found defying the law will be committing an offence which will attract a penalty.