Malawi police beat up schoolchildren mercilessly: Road to Chileka Airport blocked

Malawi police on Wednesday were  heavy-handed  on protesting  learners in primary school  beating up the schoolchildren mercilessly who were on the streets demonstrating against the nationwide strike by their teachers.

The protests have entered a third day in Blantyre with pupils from  Kachanga primary School in Chileka blocking the road to Chileka airport and smashing some vehicles.

Despite beating the protesting learners, police arrested three who were  taken to Chileka Police Station where they are being kept.

Chileka police spokesperson Grace Mwale confirmed the arrest of the schoolchildren.

In a statement released Wednesday, national police spokesperson James Kadadzera  condemned  “shameful act” by the learners  and urged them to follow proper procedures to present their grievances

He strongly warned protestors from taking the law into their own hands as solution to have their voices heard.

He further said police believe some criminals took advantage of the rioting pupils to steal from unsuspecting passers-by.

“We believe rogues hiding behind the pupils blocked the roads, stoned motorists, interrupted traffic flow, demanded money from motorists, which are all illegal and criminal acts.”

In the statement,  the Police remind parents, guardians and teachers that the safety and security of their children is important.

”The pupils should be greatly discouraged from taking to the streets to advance the agenda of other quarters. Anything may happen on the street including being run over by speeding vehicles,” the statement said.

Kadadzera mentioned that investigations have revealed that some individuals with their own intentions possibly aimed at discrediting the government are coaxing pupils to go to the streets.

“Let these individuals be warned that once found relevant charges will be leveled against them,” he warned.

The riots by pupils started on Monday in Blantyre, Ntcheu and Balaka districts.