Police have defended the sporadic spray of tear gas and physical handling of demonstrators in Zomba yesterday, saying the act was within the law.

Police spokesperson for the eastern region, Patrick Mussa, said some thugs took advantage of the demonstrations to promote criminality.

This follows criticisms on social media about how the police conducted themselves in quelling yesterday’s situation in Zomba.

The central hospital is on record for receiving people who fainted after tear gas landed in residential areas.

Well-known right activist Bon Kalindo organized demonstrations in Zomba over the recent devaluation of the kwacha by the Tonse Alliance government of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera which has seen a rise in prices of commodities on the market.

But the demonstrations ended prematurely following running battles between the law enforcers and protesters.

Meanwhile, over 30 protesters are in police custody.