More defiled in Lira

By Ali Mao DEFILEMENT cases in Lira district are reported to be on the increase for the last three months, with cases being reported everyday. The Police crime report has revealed that the court has tried a number of people implicated in defiling girls since the beginning of September. Briefing journalists at the Lira Central Police Station on the crime analysis report, district CID boss Charles Erechu confirmed the increased cases of defilement. He said most of the girls defiled were aged between 14 and 17. Erechu, who attributed the rampant defilement to the break down of morals, called upon the public to be vigilant and avoid striking a compromise with the culprits. The District Police Commander, Godfrey Aropet, said reports forwarded to his office indicated that many of the cases were settled at lower levels before the matter could reach the courts. “When we want to take the matter to court, they turn to settle it out of court after negotiating with the accused and when negotiation fails, they then report to the Police,” Aropet said. He said, “Defilement cases must be handled as required by the law. Any parent or the Police has no authority to negotiate with the accused to settle cases out of court.” Aropet said the public would be educated on defilement.