Mzimba Police Station Officer Horace Chabuka says the district has registered 38 suicide cases between January and July this year.

Speaking on Saturday during an engagement with members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Chabuka said the figure comprised 32 men and six women.

‘‘Most men are committing suicide because of lack of opportunities to do with earning livelihood and they don’t come forth to share or report when faced with difficult situations,’’ Chabuka said.

He said some of the men, especially young ones, were committing suicide because of drugs and substance abuse while for women, their cases were commonly to do with family disputes.

Chabuka appealed to the society to avoid creating situations that could result in making others think about ending their lives.

‘‘Issues like accusing others of witchcraft, especially old people, make them lose sense of belonging and they consider killing themselves to escape torture. Family related problems are also leading to suicide cases among women. We need to support one another and end hostility in our communities,’’ explained Chabuka.

In his remarks, Mzimba Police Station Victim Support Unit Desk Officer for Crime Prevention, Sub Inspector Peter Chima, said police in the district continue to receive complaints to do with child marriages and marital issues, such as divorce and lack of support for children.

Chima asked parents to avoid marrying off young children but should instead send them to school, saying under the Child Care (Justice and Protection) Act of 2010, such practices are punishable by law.

Resident Pastor for Mzimba Seventh Day Adventist, Sky Harawa, hailed the police for taking advantage of the camp meeting to create awareness on the vices happening in the district.