By Evalitso Kapesi

Mzuzu, November 18, Mana: Commissioner for Operations and Security Services in Malawi Prison Service, Aaron Kaunda, on Sunday said that sport has transformative impact in uniting communities and supporting rehabilitation of offenders.

Kaunda was speaking during wrap up of Northern Region Prisons’ two-day sports tournament at Mzuzu Prison Ground.

Sporting disciplines on the day included football, netball, volleyball and tag of war.

He said that the tournament aimed at fostering good working relationship among prison officers, stakeholders and members of the public while providing prisoners with opportunities to reintegrate into society.

“Such sporting activities ensure officers’ physical and mental fitness and spiritual growth. I thank the Department of Prisons for the ongoing transition from punitive to corrective service models, including restorative justice programs,” said Kaunda

He then thanked Malawi Police Service Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization, Centenary Bank, Pinnacle Financial Services, Mukuru, NBS Bank and NICO for supporting the tournament.

Mukuru Regional supervisor for the north, Wanangwa Kazeze said the company supported the tournament because it believes that their services have no boarders and service people of all carders.

Rumphi Prison emerged winners in Football while Mzimba Prison emerged champions in Volleyball, as Mzuzu Prison were best performers in Netball and Tag of war.

Coach for Rumphi Prison Football Team, Kennedy Mphaninga attributed their victory to disciplined officers and collective commitment to success.

The tournament which started with big walk from Katoto Ground to Mzuzu Prison was held under the theme ‘Promoting Community Participation in the Reintegration of Offenders’.