Police were ordered to shoot and kill, leaving 20 people dead.

For years the families of the deceased have been holding private commemorations as Government remained mum on what transpired.

Minister of Civic Education and National Unity, Timothy Mtambo who was speaking at the commemoration ceremony at Zolozolo Cemetery where 8 of the 11 people killed in Mzuzu were buried, said Government will learn from the past mistakes of the previous regime and make necessary changes so as to better the lives of the affected.

Mtambo says it is with this Government plans on launching a commission of inquiry on the events that transpired leading to the deaths of 20 people as for years, the previous inquires haven’t born any fruits.

"the commission of inquiry report will be our starting point, and where we think we need to do more we are going to do more so that those responsible are actually held accountable," Mtambo said.

A representative of the Bereaved families of Mercy Mbezuma Mfune says she blames both Government and Non-Governmental Organizations on not following up on the families, as well as those that were injured and left disabled as, for years, they have been struggling to make ends meet.

"As I said some of the people that were injured in 2011, are not being supported until now they are in big problems as they don’t have anyone to take care of them," said Mfune.

Chairperson for Human Rights Defenders Coalition Gift Trapence said it will also engage other NGO’s in reaching out to the families as they are part of the change in how human rights are viewed.

CCAP Livingstonia Synod Moderator Reverend Douglas Chipofya who was leading prayers at the commemoration said the deceased were part of protests aimed at winning political and economic reforms and should, therefore, be celebrated.

Former Vice President Khumbo Kachali, Deputy Mayor for Mzuzu City Desire Nyirenda, and Independent President Ras Chikomeni were among some of the renowned figures at the commemoration.