Professor Muula says putting into custody people whose COVID-19 status is not known yet is risking lives of those already in the custody.

“What happened on Sunday is to get people who are potentially infectious into cells. We should be on the look out to see and prevent further damage.

“It is a public health disaster because these people, many of whom are likely to be infected by COVID-19, may be transmitting the infection,” he said.

Reports reaching Zodiak Online indicate that police on Sunday arrested 33 Malawian returnees from South Africa at Mapanga Prison Training College where they are in quarantine.

They were arrested on suspicion that they set ablaze College property such as hostels, beds and mattresses as they demand to be released for their homes.

Police are yet to make official position on the matter.

Meanwhile, spokesperson for Malawi Prison Services, Chimwemwe Shaba, says they are yet to assess the damages.

Shaba says the damage will likely affect their operations especially when the new cohort of trainees join the service.