Magistrate bemoans defilement in Rumphi

Rumphi first grade magistrate Cuthbert Phiri has bemoaned rising defilement cases in the district, saying the vice is one of the factors that contribute to school dropout.

He expressed the sentiments on Tuesday at Lura during a court users committee meeting organised by the National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust.

Said Phiri: “When some girls are defiled, they get pregnant and drop out of school. When a girl is not educated, she is denied a chance to participate in the development of the country.

“When a girl is educated, she knows what to do. She may not get a job, but is knowledgeable enough to start a business of her own.”

He urged community members to report defilement cases to law enforcement agencies.

Rumphi Police station officer Aggrey Khonje also urged community members, including chiefs, to report defilement cases as soon as they happen to avoid compromising evidence.

He also reminded people that Police bail is free, but limited to minor offences.

Khonje told the audience that the law does not recognise witchcraft and those who accuse others of witchcraft will face the law.

Rumphi Nice district civic education officer Fleency Mapanga expressed satisfaction that people had a chance to interact with police and court officers on various issues relating to their rights.

She said: “There is knowledge gap regarding bail granted by both the police and court as well as the rights of accused persons and detainees.

“We believe that the civic education will empower people to know their rights and protect the same.”

Last week, Nice also trained area civic education coordinators on the rights of detainees and accused persons and bail conditions.

Court users committees are a platform for stakeholders in the justice sector to improve operations and service delivery.

The meeting was supported by the European Union through the Chilungamo Project.