Thyolo residents, police in running battles
People around Bvumbwe Trading Centre in Thyolo District Monday clashed with law enforcers in the area after police officers allegedly shot at two people.
When we visited the area, we found signs of chaos as business came to a standstill after the law enforcers fired teargas canisters at rioters.
A bicycle taxi operator, who declined to be named, said all hell broke loose after police officers shot at two people, reportedly after one of them had resisted lawful arrest.
“We just heard sounds of gunshots. Later, people gathered to check what was happening. That is when we saw one man lying on the ground with a gunshot wound on the chest and arm,” he said.
He added that, due to police officers’ over-the-board reaction, community members started pelting stones at them.
When police officers fired teargas canisters at the rioters, traders closed their shops.
Another local alleged that the victim had a fight with the law enforcer days before the incident and overpowered the man-in-uniform.
“And, yesterday, the police officer saw the victim at his business place and wanted to arrest him but he resisted arrest. When his friend wanted to stop the police officer from shooting at the victim, he was shot at,” the source said.
When contacted, however, Limbe Police spokesperson Patrick Mussa— who also speaks for Bvumbwe Police— asked for more time before he could shed light on the issue.
He said, while the reports of chaos at Bvumbwe were true, it was too early for him to comment on issues such as injuries sustained or death because some of those involved had been sent to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
