Over 200 defilement cases have been recorded in Eastern Province from January to April this year.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has expressed concern over the rising cases of defilement in the province.
He says the current situation involving defilement cases in Eastern Province has become alarming.
In an interview with the media, Mr Mweemba disclosed that the province continues to record the highest number of defilement cases in the country, with more than 200 cases involving children below the age of 16 recorded between January and April this year.
During community sensitisation meetings held in Mwase and Kapichila chiefdoms of Lundazi District, Mr Mweemba called upon the people from the two chiefdoms and the province as a whole to effectively join in the fight against defilement.
He condemned the abuse of children and questioned the behaviour of some men involved in such crimes.
“What has come over some men to even think of having carnal knowledge of a two-year-old child, including their own biological children?” Mr Mweemba asked.
He warned that Government has stiffened laws against defilement, adding that perpetrators are no longer entitled to police bond or bail.
Mr Mweemba further appealed to communities to protect the girl child and support their education and development.
“Let us protect the girl child and allow them to attain education and grow into productive women who can contribute to national development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Mwase of the Chewa people of Lundazi District described the increasing cases of child defilement as embarrassing and unacceptable.
The Traditional Leader said he felt ashamed that some of the perpetrators were from his chiefdom.
“I am deeply embarrassed because it is my subjects who are involved in these acts. I can no longer walk with my head held high because of this vice,” Senior Chief Mwase lamented.
He said that he has directed all headmen in his chiefdom to handle defilement cases seriously and ensure offenders were reported to the police without fear or favour.
“I have instructed all headmen in my chiefdom to ensure that perpetrators of this abominable crime are reported to the police so that the law can take its course,” he said.
