Tear Gas Fired in Zomba as Police Disperse Crowd Seeking Shelter from Rain

Police in Zomba have fired tear gas to disperse people who had gathered under shop verandas to seek shelter from the rain, following the submission of a grievance letter by business owners to the District Commissioner’s office.

According to reports, officers were preventing anyone without a national ID or work permit from taking shelter, which led to panic and a chaotic scene. People fled in different directions some towards Chinamwali, others to Chikanda, 3 Miles, and some even climbing towards Chawe.

As of now, the tear gas is still lingering in the area despite the heavy rain, and police can still be heard firing more canisters. Footage circulating on social media, shows affected individuals fetching rainwater to wash their faces in an attempt to reduce the effects of the tear gas.