By Burnett Munthali
On Monday morning, 25 November, a group of heavily armed bouncers carrying clubs, sticks, and pickaxe handles stormed the Lilongwe Community Ground, blocking public access to the area.
Their arrival followed a police operation earlier in the day where officers used tear gas to disperse a crowd gathered at the grounds. The reason for the bouncers’ presence remained unclear, but their actions heightened tensions in the area, creating unease among local residents.
The unexpected incident had a ripple effect on the city, with several shops in Lilongwe remaining closed throughout the day. Business owners cited safety concerns as the situation around the community ground continued to evolve.
Residents expressed fear and frustration over the heavy-handed measures seen both from the bouncers and the police. “We don’t know what is happening, but we feel unsafe,” said one local who chose to remain anonymous.
As of Monday afternoon, authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the bouncers’ actions or the events leading up to the police intervention. The lack of clarity only added to the uncertainty and speculation among the public.
The Lilongwe Community Ground, a significant public space in the city, has now become a flashpoint of tension. Observers are calling on authorities to restore calm and provide clarity to prevent further escalation.
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