UNZASU saddened by the arrest of union publicity secretary
The UNZASU Publicity Secretary was last Friday (14th November, 2014) arrested together with 8 other students during a students’ protest demanding for the full payment of their meal and book allowances. THE University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) has expressed sadness over the arrest of UNZASU publicity secretary Kamona Lindunda.
Miss Lindunda was last Friday (14th November, 2014) arrested together with 8 other students during a students’ protest demanding for the full payment of their meal and book allowances.
Speaking in an interview with Lusaka Star, UNZASU secretary general Sangulukani Tembo said it was unfortunate that the police had arrested a union leader, describing the act as an assult to democracy.
He noted that UNZASU executive members had immunity stating that this ought to be respected by the police as they (union leaders) acted as a bridge between the student populace and the police.
Mr. Sangulukani added, “I am very disappointed at the manner in which the police acted to contain the student demonstrations last Friday. The police showed their levels of unprofessionalism by teargasing the rooms of students and the clinic which is a very sensitive environment.”
He revealed that UNZASU had since called for a joint meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education and UNZA management to discuss the way forward.
Meanwhile, UNZA acting vice chancellor professor Enala Tembo Mwesa called for an end to the student demonstrations noting that management was going to look into the problems faced by the students.
She told the students during a gathering that was called for in the aftermath of the demonstrations on Friday that management would have a meeting with the Bursaries Committee to discuss the unpaid meal allowances.
Professor Mwase warned that continued demonstrations by the students would lead to early closure of the institution hence distorting the school academic calendar.
The Acting Vice Chancellor was however saddened by the conduct in which the police conducted themselves to contain the student demonstration at the University of Zambia.
UNZA students have in the recent past taken to the streets demanding among others the handover of the Commonwealth Secretariat building which has since been occupied by the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Child Development as well as the full payment of students book and meal allowances.
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