The police in Zomba fired teargas canisters on Monday to disperse supporters of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and ruling People’s Party (PP) at Songani trading centre.

The incident happened where DPP supporters had converged to greet their interim leader Peter Mutharika who was on his way to Lilongwe.

Eye witnesses told the media that PP sympathizers, clad in their party colours flocked to the area and allegedly confronted the DPP followers.

Trouble then ensued between the two camps, prompting the intervention of the police who arrived on the scene with their Black Maria armoured vehicle.

The police were then forced to use teargas in order to restore calm and order around the area.