CHADIZA National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Public prosecutor, Bronson Banda, has expressed concern over the increased cases of defilement despite the stiffer punishment being mated out against offenders by the courts of law.

Speaking to mark this year’s 16 days of gender activism, Mr Banda said it was disheartening that most offenders that were being persecuted in the courts of law were exhibiting high levels of ignorance with regards to defilement.

He said a number of them were not aware that having carnal knowledge of the child below the age of 16 was a serious offence and attracted stricter punishment.

Mr Banda said there was a need to intensify awareness efforts on the Child Act and related provisions that safeguard the interest of children.

He noted that lack of awareness was contributing to too many abrogating the law which lands them into prison.

Chadiza Police Child Protection Officer under Victim Support Unit (VSU), Bridget Mwape, said there was a need to enhance awareness on Gender Based Violence (GBV). 

Ms Mwape said many forms of violence currently being reported included physical, emotional, sexual and child abuse.

She said the women folk were the most affected by GBV related cases.

“Due to this violence, consequently, many of the children tend to be involved in illicit acts such as beer drinking, stealing while some girls engage in prostitution all because they want to find money to feed themselves,” she said.

Ms Mwape has since called on the male folk not to shy away from reporting GBV cases when they were victimised.

Meanwhile, a community representative, Musa Banda, has disclosed that many men who fall victim to gender based violence fear reporting to the police.

Mr Banda has since vowed to fight the scourge by involving the community.

This year’s 16 days of Activism which started on 25th November will be concluded on 10th December 2024 under the theme “Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls.”