Karonga third grade magistrate Maria Mkochi Gondwe has urged traditional leaders in the district to formulate by-laws to fight gender-based violence (GBV) in the district.

She said this on Monday in Senior Chief Mwakaboko’s area during a GBV awareness campaign organised by the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM).

Said Gondwe: “By-laws are aimed at addressing vices such as theft, physical assault, rape, defilement and forced marriages at community level.

Nungu: Review by-laws

“Again, community leaders should know that criminal cases should be reported to law enforcement agencies without delay so that the law should take its course.”

The magistrate also cautioned community leaders against shielding each other when there are cases that require swift action such as early marriages and defilement.

Karonga district social welfare officer Peggy Gondwe asked community leaders to implement the formulated by-laws.

“When we are empowered to do something, we should do it. Therefore, do not just formulate by-laws without using them,” he said.

Group village head Mwandambo said they formulated by-laws in 2016, which have been instrumental in the fight against gender-based violence in the area.

“A person found trafficking children to Tanzania for labour is fined K160 000 while those found forcing their children into early marriages are fined K150 000. Parents who entertain early marriages are fined K150 000,” he said.

James Mwalilino, a community member, welcomed the by-laws, saying they will help to reduce school dropouts.

“Children should pursue education to become productive citizens in the country,” he said.

On his part, EAM Karonga district Timazge Nkhaza project coordinator Dumisani Nungu said there is need to review the by-laws as some fines are lenient.

With funding from Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurch Aid, EAM is implementing Timazge Nkhaza Project in traditional authorities Mwakaboko, Kilupula and Kyungu in the district.

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