By George Mkandawire
District Youth Officer for Mzuzu City and Mzimba North, Misheck Msokwa, has appealed to Parliament to help enact laws which will regulate operating hours for drinking joints as part of efforts to protect young people and curb crime in the city.
Msokwa appealed during a stakeholders’ meeting in Mzuzu, where stakeholders resolved to work together to address the rising cases of defilement of minors, murder and suicide among young people.
He said it is heartbreaking that young people are getting involved in crime and taking their own lives instead of contributing to the country’s economic growth, noting that no country has developed without the contribution of young people.
Mzuzu Police Station Officer, Annie Kaunda, who is also Assistant Commissioner of Police, said police have already arrested perpetrators, with some convicted and serving jail terms, while other cases are still in court.
Kaunda said police will intensify patrols in crime-prone areas and strengthen community policing to curb crime, while urging the public to continue providing information to assist investigations.
According to Mzuzu Police, 30 murder cases, 14 suicide cases and 44 defilement cases involving minors were recorded between January 1 and November 11, 2026. Of the murder cases, 12 involved youths aged 19 to 35, while eight suicide victims were also within the same age group.
Recently, Mzuzu City Council shut down about 50 shebeens between April and August this year in an effort to curb drug and substance abuse, which stakeholders identified as a major driver of crime.
Stakeholders agreed to intensify awareness campaigns, youth mentorship and community engagement to ensure young people are protected and empowered.
