Malawi police on Thursday announced the launch of an inquiry into allegations by rights groups, that its officers raped and tortured women during demonstrations over presidential election results.

The usually peaceful southern African country, has been gripped by a wave of protests since President Peter Mutharika, secured a second term in May this year.

Riots broke out last week in Msundwe - a trading outpost west of the capital Lilongwe - when opposition supporters blocked a pro-government group, from attending a public meeting.

One policeman was stoned to death during the unrest.

Rights group Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN), said Thursday that some police officers took advantage of the chaos, to sexually assault women in and around Msundwe on the following day.

Malawi police have since set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations.