Tear Gas Fired as Residents Clash with Police in Mponela

Riots broke out this afternoon at Mponela Police Station in Dowa after angry residents allegedly attempted to set the facility on fire following the police rescue of a man suspected of trying to sexually assault a child.

According to residents, the suspect was found in Mponela Village with a child in a bush and was allegedly showing the child naked. Community members reportedly apprehended the man and intended to take the law into their own hands before police officers arrived and rescued him.

The police action angered some residents, who later marched to the police station where they allegedly attempted to attack officers and set parts of the premises ablaze.

Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The situation has since been brought under control, although authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the incident.