DOVWA extends legal aid to inmates on labour-related charges

A local Non-Governmental Organisation, the Domestic and Vulnerable Workers Association (DOVWA), has rolled out an initiative aimed at assisting about 500 inmates on remand across Malawi’s prisons over work-related cases.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Dominic Makawa, says the initiative was triggered by the growing number of vulnerable inmates who are unable to afford legal representation.

“We were in prison recording statements for inmates charged with labour-related cases. Most of them are very vulnerable and cannot afford a lawyer to represent them,” said Makawa.

He said DOVWA has since taken up the role of representing such inmates in court, including in subordinate courts and the High Court.

The exercise, which started on Thursday at Chichiri Prison in Blantyre, saw the organisation record statements from 25 inmates. 

Among them is a 40-year-old domestic worker who has been on remand since December 22, 2025, over allegations of stealing five baby clothes.

Makawa further revealed that the organisation is targeting four prisons across the country, describing the number of affected inmates as significant and worrying.

“As an organisation, we are targeting several prisons, and the number of inmates involved is big. It is very concerning,” he said.

He has since appealed for support from well-wishers and other civil society organisations to help sustain the initiative.

“We are pleading for funding or any kind of support to help these inmates and ensure we accomplish what we have started,” he added.