Street vendors in Chipata this morning fought running battles with the police as they protested over the decision by Chipata Municipal Council to remove them from the streets.
The street vendors moved from Kafula road to the civic center and went to organize their friends on Umodzi Highway who also joined the protest.
The angry street vendors were demanding for the removal of Chipata Mayor Sinoya Mwale.
Police officers fired teargas canisters after the traders refused to stop the protest but they also responded by throwing stones at the law enforces.
But speaking earlier to Breeze News, Chipata Mayor, Sinoya Mwale says it does not make sense for street vendors to rise against the council because the decision to remove them was agreed by government and the council.
Mr. Mwale says the council is not using force to remove the vendors and that this is why it made a decision to inform them in advance to move into markets.
He explained that this would also give chance to contractors to continue working on the roads without being disturbed.