Harare-Zimbabwe National Students Union President Clever Bere was on Wednesday afternoon arrested after addressing students at the University of Zimbabwe outside the campus main library.
Hundreds of students had gathered at the library for a general meeting organized by ZINASU to chart the way forward on the issue of tuition fees which a majority of students have failed to raise. During his address Bere had called upon the students to remain vigilant and united so that their existence as students is not threatened.
The government was also called upon to prioritize education and improve the welfare of students in tertiary institutions. The university opened on Monday 3 August 2009 and placed notices informing students who have not paid fees that there are barred from attending lectures and using the library.
From the statistics coming from the bursar’s office it’s now clear that three quarters of students have failed to raise money for tuition fees, ZINASU said. Today’s arrest they said is a clear indication that freedom of expression on campuses is still to be guaranteed in the country despite the coming of the inclusive government.
‘We appeal to Ministry of Home Affairs and college authorities to deal with students in a more civilized manner and allow students to gather and discuss their issues without being victimized. Lawyers have already been deployed to follow up the arrest. We will be updating you as soon as we get more information,’ a ZINASU statement read.
