Zomba demos end prematurely

Demonstrations that human rights activist Bon Kalindo led in Zomba yesterday ended prematurely after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters.

Police officers moved into action after some protesters pelted them with stones following a fist-fight among three of the protesters.

When the law enforcers arrested the trio to restore order, other protesters misconstrued the action as if police were just picking them for no good reasons.

The situation worsened when officers took Kalindo, who is seeking action from President Lazarus Chakwera to ease the impact of the 44 percent kwacha devaluation, to Eastern Region Police Headquarters office, forcing police to disperse the protesters with tear gas. In turn the protesters blocked the Zomba-Liwonde Road in Matawale and Chinamwali.

Speaking later, Kalindo said he was picked to give an ordinary statement about what caused the riots during the protests.

He said the police charged him with a case of inciting violence, but when he  denied the allegations he was let free.

Eastern Region Police spokesperson Patrick Mussa confirmed that Kalindo was picked for interrogation.

The riots turned violent in Chinamwali, Chikanda and Mpondabwino Townships until evening. Some shops were looted in the process.