26 Arrested Over Violent Protests And Road Blockades In Mponela
Published on June 17, 2026 at 11:49 AM by Evance Kapito
Police in Mponela, Dowa District, have arrested 26 people suspected of leading violent protests that erupted at Mponela Trading Centre on June 15, 2026.
Central East Region Police spokesperson Esther Mkwanda confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects are currently in police custody awaiting court appearances where they will answer various charges.
According to police, the unrest began when a group of community members demanded that officers hand over a suspect accused of attempting to defile a child in the area so they could deal with him themselves.
When police refused to surrender the suspect, the crowd allegedly turned violent, marching through the trading centre and blocking roads.
The situation escalated, forcing police to intervene and use tear gas to disperse the protesters and restore order.
Authorities say investigations are continuing, while the arrested individuals are expected to appear before court soon.
Police have since warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands and urged communities to allow the justice system to handle criminal cases through legal procedures.
