Thyolo District Social Welfare Office has expressed concern over the increase of children in conflict with the law for the past six months.

Statistics from the Social Welfare office indicate that from January to June, 2023 the district has registered 70 cases from 46 registered during the same period last year.

Thyolo District Probation Officer Victor Daudi said cases of theft of Macadamia nuts are the most prevalent among the juveniles followed by house breaking.

Chairperson for Civil Society Organizations in Thyolo Willard Mwambo admitted the challenge and said the absence of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), precisely working on child protection, is fueling the condition in the district.

“It is a wake-up call for NGOs to reprogram their interventions and fully factor in child rights protection activities.

“Local community structures should work collectively with NGOs and officials from the district council to sustain child protection skills,” he said.