University Of Zimbabwe Suspends Six Students Over Protest Supporting Striking Lecturers

The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has suspended six students for staging a campus demonstration in May in solidarity with striking lecturers.

The suspended students, Narshon Kohlo, Blessing Mtisi, Nodesha Maingehama, Tafadzwa Katsande, Tawana Hove, and Tariro Mtukura, are members of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), UZ Chapter.

They are accused of organising a flash protest on campus, calling for an urgent resolution to the ongoing lecturers’ strike, which began on April 16.

The lecturers are demanding a salary increase from US$250 to at least US$2,250, along with improved working conditions.

In separate letters issued to the students by UZ Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo, the university confirmed that the suspensions take immediate effect.The letters read:

Accordingly and in light o the seriousnes of the allegantions detailed above, I have found it necessary to, interms of section 8(3)(e) of the Univerity of Zimbabwe act [Chapter 25:16,(“the Act), suspend you, with immediate effect, from your studies at the University of Zimbabwe indefinitely, pending diciplinary hearing against you.

Accordingly, you are barred, forthwith, from entering the University of Zimbabwe Campus and any other University premises. You are required to surrender your student ID card to the Director, Asset Protection Services.

The suspended students are expected to appear before a disciplinary committee next week to respond to the charges.

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