Police in Mzuzu City fired teargas to disburse thousands of striking primary school learners on Tuesday.

Learners from Katoto, Lunyangwa, St Peters and Masasa were taking part in a march in support of teachers who are demanding payment of their December salaries.

The learners started marching from their schools to Education Division Managers’ office where they were dispersed by teargas.

Some learners also marched towards the District Education Managers’ office without any security personnel.

The sit-in by teachers in public schools has now entered a second day despite an assurance from authorities that the salary arrears will be paid this week.

Over 5,000 teachers from public schools were removed from the government payroll for failure to submit their National Identity Cards to the relevant authorities.