10 arrested over riots triggered by cancelled students’ union elections at UNZA

Police in Lusaka have apprehended 10 people following the riot that occurred on Monday at the University of Zambia (UNZA) Great East Campus leading into the early hours of Tuesday.

On Monday, Students from UNZA rioted after their Union leadership cancelled elections meant to usher in a new administration, citing lack of finances despite students contributing a sum of K150 as membership fees.

Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of the 10 persons who included five UNZA students and five known persons.

Hamoonga identified the five UNZA students as Gift Mukadi, a third year student studying bachelor of science in the school of education, Chawezi Muwowo, aged 21, a first year student studying Project Management and Kachisa Kambangu, aged 29, a first year student studying Masters in Geology.

“Others are John Chisela, aged 22, a second year student studying Human Nutrition and Masho Kapembwa Mulenga, a third year law student,” he said.

Hamoonga said among those who were not students of UNZA but were arrested in the fracas included Clinton Njovu, aged 25, of house number 22/25 Ngombe compound and Mwansa Mwila, aged 20, of unmarked house number Mtendere East, who is unemployed.

He said others were Moses Mutale, aged 44, of unmarked house number of Kamango area in Kalundu, Michael Phiri, aged 27, of unmarked house number in Kalingalinga compound who is unemployed and Derrick Mukelebai, aged 27, of unmarked house number in Garden Chilulu compound a garden boy.

“The more than 500 students rioted over the cancellation of the 2023 University of Zambia Students Union elections due to financial challenges, Hamoonga explained.

He said the students blocked Great East road with drums, stones, burnt tyres and started stoning motor vehicles and during the riot, five shops were broken into and assorted groceries whose value is yet to be established were looted within the University.

Hamoonga said one female student identified as Twambo Chinyama, aged 22, who was a first year student studying psychology sustained bruises on her right hand and general body pains.

“Quick action by Police prevented the situation from escalating. The students then retreated back into Campus,” he said.

Hamoonga said Police officers had been deployed around the campus and are monitoring the situation and Investigations into the matter were still ongoing.

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