Security stakeholders in Zomba have expressed concern over an increase in defilement cases and child marriages as the district registered 90 cases in the last three months.

Zomba senior resident magistrate Rodrick Michongwe  on Tuesday reported to Zomba Police Station’s security executive committee that defilement exceeded theft-related cases.

Michongwe said out of 176 cases registered at Mulunguzi Court from January to March 17, the court has registered over 90 defilement cases.

“Mulunguzi Court alone has registered over 90 defilement cases within 3 months this year where girls aged between 13 and 16 are victims,” he said.

He has since asked for a lasting solution to the problem.

“Since the law does not solve everything, stakeholders need to find other means of dealing with the problem,” he said.

Zomba District Council senior internal auditor Charles Madula, who represented the district commissioner, commended Zomba Police Station for organising the meeting aimed at improving security issues in the district.

He said reports from traditional authorities indicated that duty-bearers needed to take a leading role in combating crimes in collaboration with community policing forums.

Madula then pledged to support traditional authorities in the district with logistics so that they attend these meetings in future.

Zomba Police Station security executive committee chairperson Daniel Phiri said they will conduct sensitisation meetings on security and related issues in the district.

Zomba Police Station, in conjunction with other stakeholders, organises security meetings every quarter.