Inmates claim three deaths in Lusaka prison within one week, expose deplorable conditions

A disturbing revelation unfolded at the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court when inmates disclosed that three deaths had occurred at Lusaka Central Correctional Facility within a week, highlighting the dire conditions in the prison.

Magistrate Amy Masoja, visibly shocked by the disclosure, had recently inspected the facility but was not informed of the incidents.

The revelation came during a sentencing hearing for Emmanuel Mtonga, convicted of trafficking marijuana.

In his plea for leniency, Mtonga claimed that deplorable conditions in the prison were causing numerous deaths, prompting the magistrate to question the lack of transparency regarding prisoner fatalities.

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Another inmate corroborated Mtonga’s claims, confirming three deaths, including one as recent as Thursday.

However, neither inmate could provide the names of the deceased.

Magistrate Masoja expressed deep concern over the revelations and pledged to follow up on the matter.

Mtonga was sentenced to 12 months of hard labour.

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