Hundreds of students of the University of Zambia (UNZA) on Monday staged a protest over what they call ‘police brutality’.
The students were protesting the death of one of their colleagues last week Thursday.
Vespers Shimuzhila, a fourth year student died of suffocation during a protest over delayed meal and accommodation allowances.
Shimuzhila died after struggling to breath when police fired teargas into her room. The response of the police to last week’s protest has been condemned by many.
On Monday students marched on the streets to demand a thorough investigation into Shimuzhila’s death.
Government reaction
Zambia’s President, Edgar Lungu says his government is awaiting the outcome of a police investigation into the incident.
One of the protesters told the BBC protesters are “hurt and saddened”, adding that they “want justice to prevail.”
But the country’s information minister, Dora Siliya has blamed rioting students for police response which led to Vespers death.
I attended the service for Vespers. Mostly calm but for a few drank students who feel shouting unpalatables at Govt serves them well.
We need to dialogue on how to fund higher education going forward. Tax payers supporting drankness and violence at UNZA can’t continue.— Hon. Dora Siliya, MP (@Dora_Siliya) October 8, 2018
Justice for Vespers
The students later attended a church service in memory of Ms Shimuzhila. Some have taken to social media using the hashtag #JusticeForVespers to demand justice.
WE WANT JUSTICE FOR VESPERS !!!!!!
UNZA MOURNS!!!!!!!!!!
We match for our fallen soldier#JusticeforVespers pic.twitter.com/gTwmORaUpS
— B R Y O (@iambryo) October 8, 2018
I’m calling on all Zambians to #StandWithUNZA and ensure #JusticeForVespers prevails. Remember to attend the funeral service at UNZA SDA chapel tomorrow Monday October 8th, 2018 at 09:00hrs. Retweet and spread the word. #zambia pic.twitter.com/pEmNUkaJkh
— B’Flow (@bflowmusic) October 7, 2018
Unza mourns. #JusticeForVespers pic.twitter.com/6Cb0lsI7fz
— ? N. (@iistargirl) October 8, 2018
Today we stand together! we will not be shaken till we get the justice Vespers deserves! #JusticeForVespers #Unza #StudentPower United we stand! pic.twitter.com/gxXPglub3V
— Lweendo Syabwengo ?? (@Lweendo23) October 8, 2018
Source: Africafeeds.com
