Rumphi district has registered a 16 percent decrease in defilement cases in the first quarter of 2019. 

From January to March this year the district has registered 10 cases of defilement as compared to 12 cases within the same period last year.

Rumphi police spokesperson, Henry Mnjere said the development is due to consolidated efforts between the police and its partners as well as the community.

Rumphi is one of the districts in the northern region that record high cases of defilement.

But Mnjere said the 16% decrease is a good start.

He said the police will keep working tirelessly to protect girls from sexual assault and ensure that rape and defilement cases are completely dealt with.