Three people have been injured and 18 vehicles smashed by irate protesters in Madisi, Dowa who were demanding for the release of a man accused of blood sucking.
The incident happened on March 27, 2020 when people of Kamango Village Traditional Authoirty (TA) Chakhaza apprehended Aubrey Phiri, 37, on suspicion that he was in the area on a blood sucking mission.
According to Public Relation Officer (PRO) for Mponela Police Station, Inspector Kaitano Lubrino, Phiri who comes from Katengeza Village in TA Chakhaza was in the area to buy farm produce.
“The suspect was taken to Madisi Police unit for further interrogation but this did not go well with some residents who stormed the police unit protesting and demanding for his release,” he said.
Later, the suspect was transferred to Mponela Police Station and this drove protesters to start burning tyres and pelting stones on vehicles passing through M1 road.
During the protest, three people were injured and rushed to Mponela Rural Hospital, where they received medical treatment.
In the course of the fracas, 18 vehicles of different individuals and some organizations were damaged.
Meanwhile, Police have launched investigations to arrest the perpetrators of the violence.
In reaction to the incident, the Police called on all citizens in the country and Dowa in particular, to report all criminal activities for proper investigation and prosecution.
The Police condemned acts of violence and use of self administration of justice as a violation of fair trial.
