Malawi Police Service (MPS) officials have said at least eight people have been arrested in connection with the criminal activities during the recently held demonstrations.

MPS national spokesperson James Kadadzera confirmed the development.

According to Kadadzera six were arrested in Lilongwe while two were arrested in Mzuzu.

He said the suspects have been charged with malicious damage, breaking into shops and stealing assorted valuables.

On June 20 Civil Society organizations (CSOs) under the banner Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRD) held demonstrations calling for the resignation of Malawi Electoral commission (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah whom they are accusing of failing to manage the May 21 elections.

The demonstration ended in riot as most of public and private properties were vandalized.