Eastern Region chiefs asked to lead GBV fight

Eastern Region Police have called on chiefs to play a leading role in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

The region’s Commissioner of Police Arlene Baluwa said this on Monday during a crime prevention meeting at Paramount Chief Kawinga’s headquarters in Machinga District.

She said GBV, especially defilement,is on the increase in the district and the entire region.

Baluwa said that from January to November this year, the region registered a 47 percent increase in defilement cases from 256 to 377.

She said Mangochi registered a 78 percent increase in defilement cases during the review period, trailed by Machinga with an increase of 56 .6 percent.

“It is unfortunate that most of the cases are being perpetrated by close relatives who are supposed to be the victim’s guardian angels,” said Baluwa.

She called on traditional leaders to be in the forefront in the fight against all forms of violence by reporting perpetrators to the police.

In his reaction, Paramount Chief Kawinga said traditional leaders under Kawinga Education Zone have already started the fight against GBV, adding that this year, they have terminated 102 child marriages.

“We pledge to continue fighting against GBV in the district,” he said.

Over 200 chiefs, including Senior Chief Nkoola, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapoloma and sub T/A Mizinga attended the meeting.

Reported defilement cases are on the increase largely due to increased awareness.