The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has suspended six of its students following a campus demonstration held in May. The students were protesting in solidarity with striking lecturers.
The suspended students, identified as Narshon Kohlo, Blessing Mtisi, Nodesha Maingehama, Tafadzwa Katsande, Tawana Hove, and Tariro Mtukura, are all members of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), UZ Chapter. They face accusations of organizing a “flash protest” on campus, urging for an urgent resolution to the ongoing lecturers’ strike, which commenced on April 16. The lecturers are demanding a significant salary increase from US250toatleastUS2,250, in addition to improved working conditions.
In individual letters issued to the students by UZ Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo, the university confirmed that the suspensions are effective immediately. The letters state: “Accordingly and in light of the seriousness of the allegations detailed above, I have found it necessary to, in terms of section 8(3)(e) of the University of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 25:16], (‘the Act’), suspend you, with immediate effect, from your studies at the University of Zimbabwe indefinitely, pending disciplinary hearing against you.”
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The letters further stipulate that the students 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 scheduled to appear before a disciplinary committee next week to address the charges leveled against them.
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