UNZA, CBU students receives part payment after protesting

By Staff Reporter, KITWE 

The students of the higher learning institutions: University of Zambia (UNZA) and Copperbelt University (CBU) have received part payments of their delayed meal allowances after protesting. 

Earlier today (yesterday), Government sponsored students were credited half of their delayed meal allowances, UNZA students having received K1,190 for term two which comes to an end on 9th April 2016. And CBU students received K1, 350 for term three.

 In a statement monitored by WM Media, Copperbelt University Student Union (COBUSU) acting president Peter Nyongani confirmed that on Monday, atleast 24 CBU students were arrested during a protest which sparked a 'riot' and appeared before two separate magistrate courts today (Tuesday).

“A total of 24 students were arrested on Monday and appeared before two separate magistrate courts today. Ten students were at Central Police while fourteen spent their nights at Riverside Police. When the students appeared before the magistrate court the charges were read to them and they all pleaded not guilty. The usual court procedure is that after you take plea and as they adjourn the case, you then raise your hand and request for bail,” he explained. 

Mr. Nyongani said the students from Central Police requested for bail and were granted K2, 000 bail each. 

“Unfortunately, the students from Riverside Police did not raise their hands and request for bail. As a result, they were not granted bail and have been remanded in Kamfinsa Prison until the next court hearing on 15th February,” he lamented. 

Mr. Nyongani has since alleged that this case has become political. “It is clear that the issue has become highly political because even those that were granted bail were told they'd only be released tomorrow (Wednesday),” he said. 

During a riot, students at CBU main campus grabbed a tear gas gun from one of the Police Officers who had been assigned in the varsity area.

Meanwhile, some students who were omitted last term have bitterly complained and alleged that the money credited in their accounts will not sustain them as they have to use it for accommodation, project and meals adding that part of the money will be used to settle debts which they have accrued since last term. 

And former Commerce deputy minister and Matero Member of parliament Miles Sampa has said CBU and UNZA should not be belittled in this manner. Future depends on them. 

Mr. Sampa who is now Democratic Front and 'Orange Alliance' president said students championed Zambia's first republican exit. 

“I went through such an ordeal as a UNZA student in the early 90s and it was the students then that coined "KK.....kuyabebele",” he said.