Police in Dowa say the district has registered a reduction in child marriages and defilement cases.

Public Relations Officer for Dowa Police Gladson M’bumpha has attributed the reduction to sensitization meetings they have had on the dangers of child marriages and defilement.

“We started having the meetings from the month of September this year sensitizing community leaders and members on the need for them to educate children and refrain from anything that will put children`s life at a risk,” he said.

M’bumpha added that they have only registered two cases pertaining to defilement which shows that there has been a decrease in the malpractices in the district.

“We see it as a milestone towards protecting child rights as communities are able to report such cases to police and a reduction as well,” he said.