Mayhem in Lilongwe as vendors, police clash
Malawi police on Thursday arrested several people as irate street vendors disrupted business in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.
Vendors clashed with riot police over vending land.
Lilongwe police publicist Kingsley Dandaula said police had to use ‘some considerable amount of force to calm the situation’.
“Yes, we have arrested some, they will appear before court to answer charges on either malicious damage or conduct likely to cause breach of peace,” Dandaula said.
Police fired teargas canisters as the vendors blocked roads with tree branches and stones.
The vendors marched towards Lilongwe District Council offices seeking redress over insufficient places to ply their trade.
Vendors told The Nation that vendors’ pleas for a new and spacious market were not being considered by the Lilongwe City Council.
