The old capital yesterday turned into a war-like zone as the police crushed a demonstration called by comedian-cum-political activist Bon Kalindo.

Kalindo was briefly detained was freed on a police bail, but 23 of his followers were taken in.

Spokesperson for Eastern Police Region Superintendent Patrick Mussa says the suspects have been charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and inciting violence.

Mussa says the suspects will appear in court soon.

Kalindo has been leading protests against what he says poor political and economic management of the government of President Lazarus Chakwera.

Our reporter Emmanuel Chibwana says CSO leaders planned to make a statement on the way forward on Friday afternoon.

Mayhem erupted during the Kalindo-led demonstrations after the police arrested one the demonstrators, triggering an angry reaction, and prompting the police to use teargas.

The police have defended the indiscriminatory use of teargas and physical handling of the demonstrators, saying the act was within the law. 

Superintendent Mussa said thugs took advantage of the demonstrations to promote criminality.

There widespread social media on how the police conducted themselves in quelling situation in Zomba.

The Zomba Central Hospital is on record to have received people who fainted after teargas canisters exploded in residential areas.