Prison warders at Chichiri prison in Malawi's commercial capital, Blantyre, have lit bonfires at the entrance protesting against the government's move to exclude them from coronavirus funds.
The warders said they will not release the 184 prisoners who were recommended by the prisons inspectorate, according to the Nation Online newspaper.
The prison warders say they should be included as beneficiaries in the Covid-19 fund and be given allowances just like the police service and immigration department that have been included, according to the Nyasa Times newspaper.
A video of the warders lighting bonfires at the prison entrance was shared on Twitter:
They say the Malawi Inspectorate of Prisons has recommended the release of 184 inmates today but the warders will not release them until their grievances are addressed.#COVID19 #NationOnline https://t.co/shfIaI6q47 pic.twitter.com/CdqiPKpFet
— NationOnline (@NationOnlineMw) April 23, 2020
The coronavirus fund set up by President Peter Mutharika has attracted criticism over how it is managed.
The country's law society on Thursday added its voice to the criticism.
Malawi has 33 confirmed cases of coronavirus and three deaths.
The country was to begin a lockdown last Saturday but a court injunction ordered it be delayed by at least seven days following a complaint that not enough had been done to help those affected by the measure.
Latest Stories
-
Haaland scores as Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest
46 mins -
Villas-Boas elected Porto president
51 mins -
Situation on frontline has worsened, Ukraine army chief says
58 mins -
US doctor describes witnessing starvation in northern Gaza
1 hour -
CAFCC: RS Berkane make final after USM Alger refused to play 2nd leg over Moroccans’ jersey
1 hour -
Elon Musk in China to discuss enabling full self driving
1 hour -
PSG clinch Ligue 1 title after Lyon’s win over Monaco
3 hours -
Guinness Ghana sets the pace at Ghana Beverage Awards with six awards
4 hours -
Burkina Faso suspends BBC, VOA radio broadcasts over killings coverage
4 hours -
Nicole Kidman honoured with AFI Life Achievement Award
4 hours -
Brassier scores winner for Brest as they edge Rennes to secure European football
4 hours -
Akufo-Addo jabs Ejisu independent candidate; rubbishes allegations to rig by-election
5 hours -
‘What are the real causes of the erratic power outages?’ GUTA asks ECG
5 hours -
Implementing ESG framework in Ghana’s energy sector for sustainability
5 hours -
CAFCC: Dreams FC exit competition after 0-3 defeat in Kumasi
5 hours