[8] In the early days of colonial rule, flogging or whipping was a common punishment for a wide range of offenses, including adultery, disobedience, and neglect of duty.
[5] Overall, the historical record shows that the introduction of a formal criminal justice system in Nyasaland was a complex and often brutal process, marked by resistance, cultural clashes, and the imposition of harsh punishments.
[4] When Sir Alfred Sharpe took over as administrator in 1897, he aimed to reduce excessive flogging for minor offenses by establishing prisons at each of its 19 stations of the government.
[5] The Zomba Prison was established in the military cantonment and was nicknamed "Nyumba ja Maganga" or "Stone House" by the native Yao people.
During his initial years, he oversaw significant construction projects at the Prison Central, including the completion of his own residence in 1920 and that of his deputy, Henry William Crosby, in 1919.
[5] Prior to 1910, individuals with mental illnesses were housed within the prison central at the King's African Rifles (KAR) camp.
The asylum lunatic, attached to the prison, initially accommodated eight inmates and served as a facility for individuals identified as mental and psychiatric cases and from across the country.
In 1921, Archer discussed about the operationalization of the Ordinance Prison with Major Stephens, and work began on a larger asylum lunatic and an incinerator, which was completed by the end of 1921.
In 1931, four of African trade warders were chosen, and Archer's wife taught at the prison of the women and those in the asylum lunatic to knit as a source of money and therapy.
Archer served as Superintendent for twenty years, retiring on May 18, 1939, at the age of 67, with a legacy of progressive prison reform.
[5] Just three months after the starting of the World War II, Jack Archer, DCM, came out of retirement and was appointed Commanding Officer H Company on November 6, 1939.
In a notable development, Archer was temporarily reassigned as Superintendent Acting of the Prison Central and Asylum Lunatic in February and March 1942, effectively returning to his former role.
This move was made to cover his successor for the absence of, Paveley Sanders George, who at the time was on the leave until a suitable replacement could be appointed as Acting Superintendent.
The appointment aimed to bring about reforms and improvements in the prison service, ensuring more efficient and humane management of correctional facilities.
Previously, Commissioner Chief of Police had overseen the prisons since 1921, and during the war, also headed the Political Intelligence Bureau, responsible for detaining foreign enemies.
The Commissioner Chief had to find alternative holding areas for these political detainees, and coincidentally, the Sabbatini Castle at Mapanga Estates was available.
The Federal Act of thePrisons was passed in 1955 to create a uniform prison service and modern penal system.
At independence, Europeans held top positions, while Africans filled lower ranks due to limited educational qualifications.
The first Malawian Commissioner, Mr. Hector Chausa, welcomed the developments, including the training of prison officers at police facilities.
[5] Despite its progress, the Malawi Prison Service has faced numerous challenges, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate funding.
In recent years, the service has also faced criticism for human rights abuses and poor conditions in prisons.