A cross-section of Kitwe residents, have called for a policy that safeguards earnings made by inmates, ensuring they have access to funds upon their release back into society.

Speaking to the media, the residents expressed concern over the challenges ex-inmates face, despite having acquired meaningful skills such as bricklaying, carpentry, and farming while in custody.

They noted, that these skills enable inmates to earn money, but there is no evidence of how these funds are utilized or accounted for.

The residents voiced their frustration, questioning where the money earned by inmates goes, as there is often nothing tangible to show for it once they are released.

They stressed that, the government should address this issue to prevent ex-inmates from being released without a financial foundation or a place to start from.

The residents, further urged the government to develop a system where a portion of the money earned by inmates is set aside and saved, to be given to them upon their release.

Meanwhile, Prison Fellowship Zambia, Kitwe District Chairman Allan Silavwe, has assured residents that the organization will investigate whether such a policy exists.

He stated, that they would assess the situation to determine how best it could be implemented to assist ex-inmates in their reintegration into society.