By Jones Gadama
A peaceful demonstration by frustrated Malawians in Mzuzu turned violent, prompting police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd.
However, the tear gas affected not only the demonstrators but also students from surrounding areas, who were forced to seek medical attention at Mapale Hospital.
According to eyewitnesses, the demonstration started peacefully, but things took a turn for the worse when some protesters began throwing stones and vandalizing property.
The police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd, but the gas drifted into nearby schools and residential areas, affecting innocent bystanders.
“I was in class when suddenly I felt a burning sensation in my eyes and throat,” said one student, who wished to remain anonymous.
He added, “I didn’t know what was happening, but then I saw people running and screaming outside. It was chaos.”
Mapale Hospital has reported a surge in admissions, with many students seeking treatment for tear gas exposure.
The hospital’s staff is working around the clock to treat the affected students, but resources are stretched thin.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has deployed soldiers in the city to intensify security.
The move is aimed at preventing further violence and maintaining order, but some residents are concerned about the presence of military personnel.
“I understand that the situation is tense, but deploying soldiers in the city is not the solution,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, adding that “It will only create more fear and anxiety among the population.”
The authorities have urged calm and appealed to the students to refrain from violent protests.
However, the situation remains volatile, and it is unclear how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
As the city struggles to return to normal, the incident has raised questions about the use of force by the police and the need for more effective communication between the authorities and the students.
It has also highlighted the need for more resources and support for the city’s hospitals, which are often overwhelmed during times of crisis.
