By Nandie Magomelo

Dedza, December 6, Mana: Dedza Police Station Officer In-Charge, Gift Chiundira, on Thursday expressed concern over alarming rise in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases in the district, which have skyrocketed, from 2,205 between January and December 2023 to 8,447 between January and September 2024.

He made the remarks in an interview during the 16 days of activism against GBV event at Kabwazi in the area of Senior Chief Chilikumwendo in the district.

Chiundira attributed poverty as a primary cause citing cases received by his office that involved disputes over household assets, business interests, and parental neglect in providing for their children.

“Resource scarcity is fueling household conflicts as family members vie for control over limited assets. Alarmingly, some children have approached our office due to lack of food, clothing, and proper shelter.  

“We have intensified awareness campaigns against gender based violence by working closely with chiefs,” said Chiundira.

Dedza North East parliamentarian, Auzious Chidovu, testified that various forms of violence are prevalent in the area with women and children being the primary victims.

He appealed local and faith leaders to utilize social gatherings such as church services, weddings, and funerals as platforms to raise awareness and promote anti-GBV initiatives.

Senior chief Chilikumwendo said he has established more structures to facilitate dispute resolution and provide reports to his office.

On her part, Dedza District Council, Gender and Development Officer, Lisnet Kathyole said the event was crucial in raising awareness and mobilizing the community to take an active role in preventing and combating GBV.

“I think we have managed to shed light on how all community members can help to prevent gender based violence. Hopefully this will result in the decrease of such cases,” she said.