Police in Thyolo have accidentally shot dead Ganizani Makina as they tried to scare violent villagers who were allegedly stealing trees at Makwasa Tea Estate.

Thyolo police spokesperson, Sergeant Rabecca Kashoti has confirmed of the development in an interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS).

According to Kashoti, the law enforcers fired teargas, the irate villagers advanced, forcing the team to shoot the bullets in the air, which landed on the deceased.

“The estate notified the Golf Division team, which was on patrol, that criminals stole trees around Nandindi village. They went there to recover the tree logs peacefully, but on their way back, the violent villagers started petting stones at the offices,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Kashoti said the police have arrested 12 villagers following the riot.

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