Malawi Prisons Service (MPS) and Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) have exchanged a combined 25 inmates in fulfilling the bilateral agreement that seeks to foster justice between the two neighbouring nations.

The exercise, which is sanctioned by the Malawi and Zambia joint permanent commission on defence and security, happened Friday at the Mwami border.

MPS Commissioner responsible for operations and security services Aaron Kaunda told Zodiak Online that Malawi, which is keeping about 500 inmates from foreign countries, has transferred 11 inmates to Zambia. 

"The initiative reduces re-offending and subsequent overcrowding to prison facilities," Kaunda said, adding that they will continue exchaning the prisoners for the benefit of both countries.

Zambia Correctional Service Director of Operations Deputy Commissioner Assaby Hamaleya says they have transferred 14 of the same to Malawi to be closer to their relatives.

"While the inmates are in Prisons,  they undergo rehabilitation processes which are key to the needs of sister nations besides the prisoners themselves," Hamaleya said.

Meanwhile, Malawian Deputy High Commissioner to Zambia Pontius Elijah Kalichero says they will keep strengthening the bilateral agreement that exists between the two nations.

Kalichero said, "Malawi mission in Zambia played a role in negotiating the repatriation of the citizens. We are happy that our intervention has materialized today."

In Malawi, the 11 Zambian nationals were serving custodial sentences at Maula Prison while the 14 Malawians were incarcerated in various Zambian correctional facilities.