Violent protests erupted on Saturday in Thyolo after the security guard for Small Holder Tea Estate Company (STECO) shot to death the tree suspect.

Following this, Villagers around the company on Saturday night went uncontrollably, damaging property of the company, extensively vandalizing the property in anger.

According to Thyolo police spokesperson Amos Tione, the suspect was gunned down by the watchmen for allegedly stealing blue gum trees at the company’s estate and that the law enforcers managed to calm down the situation at the company.

“The violence erupted after the burial ceremony of the suspected thief. We have tried to calm the situation and there is peace today after those riots yesterday night,” said Tione.

Right now Small holder tea estate company (STECO) officials in Thyolo are counting the cost of damage following violent protests on Saturday after a security guard gunned down to death a suspected tree thief.