Police in Machinga have announced the start of awareness campaigns and patrols targeting areas with tobacco estates.
The initiative aims to reduce human trafficking and child labour during this year’s growing season.
Machinga police spokesperson, Western Kansire, uniformed and non-uniformed officers are conducting day and night patrols.
These efforts are being carried out in collaboration with community policing members to safeguard children’s lives.
He further added that police have tightened security in all bordering areas of the district, such as Nayuchi, Mkwakwata, and Ngokwe, to prevent anyone from crossing the border without a valid reason. Kansire has also advised local chiefs to monitor their subjects consistently.
Meanwhile, Traditional Authority Sale, whose area borders Mozambique and contains many tobacco estates, has warned estate owners that anyone found employing children will face the full force of the law.
Sale has urged community members to report any suspicious incidents to the police. This is to ensure that no cases of child labour or human trafficking are reported in his area this year.
Last year alone, Traditional Authority Sale, in collaboration with community members and other stakeholders, rescued over 100 children and adults from child labour and human trafficking.
