Irate residents of Bangwe have set on fire tents and almost 50+ chairs that were used at a rally addresed by Her Excellency Joyce Banda at Bangwe Community ground popularly known as “pa desert”.

According to eye witnesses, the residents were angered after three trucks carrying relief maize and flour meant for distribution to the needy people in the area left the premises with their cargo unpacked.

When this reporter visited the scene there was a huge fire and heavy police presence firing teargas in an effort to desperse angry people. Some of the chairs that survived the fire were looted by people that took advantage of the pandemonium.

Her Excellency Joyce Banda, State president of Malawi, visted Bangwe to launch the income public works program for urban areas that include Zingwangwa and Manase in Blantyre City.

It has been a trend by the president that whereever she goes to attend state functions she carries along relief maize and flour to give freely to the needy.

Eye witnesses say that the president made the symbolic presentation of around 20 bags before she left. Hell broke loose when the trucks carrying the donations left immediately thereafter.

There are hot debates in social media and many other places by malawians as to whether the president should continue with the exercise or not. Opponents argue that she must leave the job for her juniors and concentrate on office work.