Mzuzu City Council in collaboration with Mzimba North District Youth Office have intensified awareness campaign on by-laws to address crimes committed by adolescents.
The campaign, under Empowering Adolescents for Positive Behaviour Change to Reduce Child Criminality in Mzuzu City, seeks to create a safe and secure city for all.
Mzimba North district youths officer Misheck Msokwa bemoaned that Mzuzu has been registering high cases of crimes by juveniles such theft, substance abuse and violent group activities.
He attributed the trend to, among others, lack of parental care, school dropout and poverty, which is pushing them to engage into immoral activities.
“School dropouts usually feel discriminated as the community does not accept them. As a result, they mobilise themselves into gangs and start terrorising communities,” said Msokwa.
He said the initiative is emphasising on engaging adolescents and nurturing them into better and productive citizens.
On his part, Nkhorongo-Lupaso Ward councillor James Mhlanga in Mzuzu City North Constituency admitted that child criminality is high, citing a violent group known as Amuna 40.
“Amuna 40 is a group of young men which is dangerous around Luwinga Township in Mzuizu. Recently, we heard that they beat up teachers and grabbed porridge from learners in school,” he said.
Mhlanga commended Mzimba North District Office and Mzuzu City Council for strengthen awareness on security by-laws.
Nkholongo Youth Club chairperson Dumiskani Msiska asked for more programmes targeting the youth to uplift their welfare to prevent them from indulging in immoral behaviour.
Mhlanga: Crimes are high. | Tionge Nundwe
