Blantyre, Malawi - Three people were rushed to hospital in the remote town of Mitundu, some 40 kilometres from the Malawi capital, Lilongwe, on Monday following unprecedented protests against growing insecurity in the area, police have confirmed. 'Yes, this morning people rioted at Mitundu, they attacked a police unit, we had to send reinforcements from headquarters,' Lilongwe Police spokesman Kingsley Dandaula told PANA in a telephone interview.

Dandaula said the police unit was torched and razed to the ground. At least seven houses belonging to police officers were also set alight.

He said anti-riot police used rubber bullets and teargas to contain the situation.

'Two people were shot with rubber bullets, another was seriously injured when he was trumpled upon by fellow rioters, we took the three to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH),' he said.

The police publicist dispelled reports that at least four people were shot dead by police. KCH director Dr. Noor Alide, could also not be reached as a KCH telephone operator said this being a Mothers' Day holiday 'the boss didn't come to work'.

Dandaula, the police spokesman, said 49 people have since been arrested. He said all the police officers at the unit have been temporarily evacuated to police headqurters together with their families.

'It's no longer safe for them to remain there,' he said.

Yohane Saizi, a resident in the area, told PANA in a telephone interview that trouble begun when a grocer - identified as Marko Chapola - was attacked and killed by armed robbers Sunday night.

'His wife was also severely wounded,' he said.

Saizi said this was not the first time armed robbers attacked and killed their victims and police have not done anything.

'We believe officers here have over-stayed and may know these robbers and are working with them,' he said. 'We're as good as having no police here.'

Dandaula said police headquarters was aware of growing insecurity in the area but denied police were working in cahoots with the bandits.

'We're patrolling the area,' he said. 'We'll investigate these robberies.'

Mitundu is home to First Lady Callista Mutharika and President Bingu wa Mutharika has a farm there.

Pana 18/10/2011