Table 2 Female inmate hierarchy

Inmate hierarchy in both Zambian male and female prisons is supposed to be based on a combination of time served and good behaviour that enables ‘promotions’ through various ‘stages’ (1-5) of the hierarchy. The highest, Stage 5 or ‘Special Stage’ appointments are made on the recommendation of an Officer in Charge and are ratified by the Prisons Commissioner. Notably, all Special Stage appointments come with responsibilities and privileges including access to the officers, substantially better sleeping arrangements and the ability to deputise other inmates to carry out certain duties.

Special Stagers are responsible for deputising ‘Cell Captains’ who maintain discipline within individual cell blocks and who have the authority to report ‘cases’ of indiscipline. Cell Captains are also responsible for the management of illness within their cell including identification of sick inmates and facilitating referrals to the clinics. Cell Captains typically have sleeping privileges and greater freedom of movement including easier access to internal health services (where they existed). However, these are by arrangement with the Special Stage rather than formalised rights.