Ten students are believed to have been arrested while a police vehicle was smashed when protesting Chancellor College (Chanco) students were involved in sporadic running battles with the police in Zomba on Monday.
It is also reported that the students disarmed a police officer and destroyed a riffle.
Chancellor College Students Union President, Slyvester James, confirmed in a telephone interview that the students who were protesting against the recent fee hike were stopped by police on their way to the University Office to present a petition.
He said the students, who convened a general assembly in the Great Hall, resolved to march to the University Office in a bid to show that they are discontented with the fee hikes.
James, however, admitted that the students were not given permission by the Police and District Commissioner to demonstrate.
“We were surprised that on our way to the University Office, we were stopped by the police and the standoff degenerated into violence. We have been fighting with the police since lunch hour and right now they are at the campus firing tear gas,” he said yesterday evening.
University of Malawi spokesperson Peter Mitunda confirmed about the protest and said the students refused to listen to college administration which advised against the protest.
“According to Chancellor College Principal, Richard Tambulasi, the students’ unrest started on Sunday night when some of the students blocked the entrance to their college at 11 pm and attacked a vehicle belonging to their dean of students.
“In the morning of Monday, July 18, the Principal addressed students advising them against holding a general assembly to plan an illegal demonstration and vigils. The Principal narrated to them all possible implications. The students disregarded the advice and proceeded with their illegal activities, attracting the Police in the process to instil order and calm,” Mitunda said.
When contacted for their comment, the police were evasive. Eastern Region police spokesperson Otiria Kumanga referred The Daily Times to Zomba police spokesperson Patricia Sapiliano who also referred us back to Eastern Region police spokesperson.
Government has hiked fees for generic students at Chancellor College from K320, 000 to K400, 000, College of Medicine from K500, 000 to K600, 000, Kamuzu College of Nursing from K340, 000 to K450, 000.
Mature entry students fees has been hiked from K275, 000 to K900, 000 while College of Medicine has been increased from K950, 000 to K1.4 million. Kamuzu College of nursing (KCN) students will be paying K650, 000 to K1 million. While Polytechnic students will be paying K950, 000 from K275, 000.
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