Scores of residents from Ndirande Township in Blantyre yesterday filled the Blantyre Magistrate’s Court to support three of their own arrested for allegedly obstructing and throwing stones at President Lazarus Chakwera’s motorcade in the city last Friday.

Two of the suspects, Pearson Chimimba, 48, and Hector Ndawala, 38, were arrested on Monday while the third, Lucy Namba, 25, was arrested on Tuesday night. The trio was taken to court yesterday where they were formally charged.

Thirty minutes before the court proceedings started, the courtroom was fully packed with some Ndirande residents, compelling other court users including journalists to follow the proceedings from outside.

During the proceedings, the State, through South West Police Region prosecution officer Damiano Kaputa told the court that police are facing challenges to make more arrests due to the hostility in the township.

He said there are more suspects connected with the blocking and pelting the President’s convoy with stones at HHI Roundabout as a funeral procession was heading to HHI Cemetery.