Activists Push for Non-Custodial Sentences to Address Overcrowing in Prisons

This call comes amid alarming statistics from prison authorities indicating that the congestion rate has soared to 369.3%.

Human rights activists are advocating for the adoption of non-custodial alternative sentences as a solution to the escalating overcrowding in prisons.

This call comes amid alarming statistics from prison authorities indicating that the congestion rate has soared to 369.3%.

"No amount of infrastructural development can solve this issue," a representative from the prison services warned, highlighting the urgency of finding alternative approaches to sentencing.

The discussion was spearheaded by Penal Reform International, a non-profit organization committed to promoting an effective and humane criminal justice system.

During a meeting held today, activists outlined several non-custodial alternatives for petty offenders, emphasizing community service programs, fines, cautions, compensation, and restitution to victims as key options.

However, challenges remain. High Court Judge Henrietta Wolayo noted that the use of non-custodial sentences is largely limited to minor offenses like trespass, assault, child neglect, and petty theft, and does not extend to more serious crimes such as murder, robbery, and rape.

"While these alternatives are important, they are only applicable in cases of petty offenses. Grave crimes still require stringent custodial sentences," Justice Wolayo explained.

The meeting also brought together various justice stakeholders, including representatives from the police, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the Ministry of Gender’s Community Service Directorate, all of whom expressed support for expanding the use of alternative sentences where applicable.