First Lady Mutinta Hichilema says she knows and understands the challenges that inmates in prisons go through.
The First Lady said Lusaka Central Correctional Facility holds fond memories as it is the place where the Husband President Hakainde Hichilema was incarcerated.
She said this yesterday when she visited and donated assorted items to Lusaka Central Female Correctional Centre.
Mrs Hichilema reminded the inmates that society still cares about them hence should not feel discouraged.
She encouraged them to be prayerful as God always answers prayers saying they should not relent as they will reunite with their families.
“Please do not stop praying. Pray every day just like I did. I used to pray every day for my husband to be released. God is going to answer your prayers and will not abandon you,” she said.
The First Lady assured the Correctional Service Management that she will soon visit the male inmates once funds are available.
And Zambia Correctional Service Leopards Ladies Club Chairlady Beenzu Chilukutu said most of the infrastructure for the detention of women and children are nonexistent and are improvised structure.
Mrs Chilukutu stated that most of the prisons were built in the colonial era and had no provision for the accommodation of female inmates and circumstantial children.
She further appealed to the First Lady that consider lobbying for donors to construct dedicated facilities for female and circumstantial children.
She assured the First Lady that the ZCS leopards ladies club will support her cause.
“It is indeed a great honour that you are with us today and that you have chosen to visit women who are incarcerated as one of the first women groups. As the Chairperson of the Correctional Service Leopards Ladies Club, I am so excited that you are here and hope that you will enjoy your time with us and I also hope that you will be able to see for yourself what the female inmates are lacking and the problems they are going through,” she said.
Mrs Chilukutu said she is humbled by the First Lady’s gesture of donating assorted materials to these less privileged people in society.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Central Female Correctional Centre Officer In-charge Kasapo Siame said the institution was designed with a holding capacity of 76 inmates however, it currently has a population of 105.
Mrs Siame said there are currently two pregnant women and seven circumstantial children.
She explained that there are five inmates who acquired certificates in food production and mechanics at Chreso University, one inmate sat for grade nine external examinations and results have not yet been collected and two are currently writing their grade seven (7) exams.
The Officer In Charge disclosed that the facility did not experience any covid-19 related death on both officers and inmates.
“Madam first lady, following the covid-19 pandemic 72 out of 105 inmates are vaccinated. 22 officers out of 58 are also vaccinated, giving a vaccination rate of 68.6%,” she said.
She highlighted the challenges that the facility faces such as lack of a utility vehicle, electric pots and refrigerators.
She further thanked the First Lady for the kind gesture of donating assorted items to the inmates.
For the amount of money wasted with this visit (think about the transport of the twelve cars, the security detail, the media) the entire jail could have been rebuilt. And what “presents” did the first lady bring? Diapers! Give me a break
A place reminding us that Zambia is the only place in the world where a traffic offence was classified under treason
This is a good gesture by the First Lady, had she wanted she could’ve elected to go to Holiday Inn to drink and dine with divas. I also urge her to request to meet the prisoners in privacy alone. Such a meeting will be very revealing and she’ll be shocked at what prisoners go through, especially the females. As a mother they’ll confide in her. Please do that my Lady as it might save a life. You’ll be shocked I tell you. Let me end there
Its not aways about money…….
A presidential or ministerial visit , be it the first lady , is hardly ever a waste of money as long as it was not excessive………
There is what is called feel good factors ……
improve emotional well-being to those being visited , in this case female inmates, who hopefully will become responsible citizens………..
By the way we should seriously consider to recognize the office of the First Lady and give it a budget. A First Lady deserves a salary because that office is very involving. We don’t want to see our former first ladies live in misery after leaving office. At least if they’re earning a salary they’ll have something to start a life after Plot 1.
Give credit where it is due. The First lady did well to visit the women in the correctional centre. It does not really matter what presents she took. The fact that she found time to visit is in itself extremely kind and worth acknowledging.
Furthermore, the First lady needs the security detail not because she is entitled to it but also because the operating environment is rather uncertain at the moment. There are too many bitter people bent on harm. There are too many people with guns and ammunition around.
Newakwa Joan
She has never been arrested and yet claims that LSK Central correctional holds fond memories for her. How can people lie like this without shame
I am so happy for the first lady, this lady was mocked and laughed at when the husband was in jail and now she is first lady. Well done. Ba PF I hope you are chimunyonge ha ha ha ha
@Kaizar, tactfully working on his asylum like the other blogger rightly pointed out. He is a rat cornered. Panicking he is making nonsensical comments. You will see. When he goes to jail, the sick comments will stop.
Well done our beloved first lady. You are such down to earth !
ONLY PRIVILEDGED MUTINTA CAN HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF A HORRIBLE PLACE WHERE PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING THROUGH THE ROST TINTED GLASSES OF HER HUSBAND. WORDS DONT CHANGE COMMUNITIES. ACTION DOES!!
Kaizer Zulu its just a matter of time your days are numbered. You will soon be guest at one of the correctional facilities dotted around the country. The first has meant well to visit the inmates at Lusaka’s female section.
She start looking like Kaseba when she was at State House
I can see that @Kaizer and @ Nubian are still hurting and in denial. At least the new first lady is not creating another useless Foundation with her name on it which will disappear immediately she’s out of State House. Give credit where it’s is due
Uwakinsaso, credit for doing nothing? Don’t be silly! What has she or her husband achieved so far that is worth our credit?
Someone please enlighten me:
What are
“circumstantial children”?
@ 16 Ivo
Born and raised by their imprisoned mothers in the prisoner’s compound
Thanks Kanjimaano!