Fracas in Mangochi: Malawi police clash with community

There was commotion in Namwera area in the lakeshore district of Mangochi on Friday when angry communities and police engaged in a running battle over arrested criminal.

The irate communities stoned police vehicle and office in an incident that was incited by youngsters who suspected the law-enforcers were aiding a suspected criminal to flee.

Mangochi police Public Relations Officer, Rodrick Maida confirmed communities stoned the police station but could not assess the gravity of damage caused.

”Right now I don’t have information as to what damage the fracas has caused. But indeed the police station was stoned,” said Maida.

Maida said the communities thought the law-enforcers were helping a suspect to escape when they were moving him to Mangochi police station.

On Thursday night police arrested one of criminals who were about to attack and steal from one of the shops in the area.

The criminals hacked a watchman on duty but were interrupted by some residents. One of them was arrested on the spot while his accomplices (about two of them) fled.

And on Friday afternoon as police were about to move the suspect to Mangochi station, irate communities started stoning the vehicle and officers on suspicion that they were helping him to flee.

The situation became unbearable for hours and police had to use teargas to bring sanity to the situation.

There were no casualties reported and the situation returned to normal by evening (Friday).

This is not the first time communities have engaged in a running battle with police in Mangochi district.

Once police clashed with Muslim communities who were against selling of pork in the district.

And in February this year one person was killed and others injured in a land resettlement fracas involving Mota Engil and villagers.