30 students arrested in Bulawayo

By Violet Gonda
7 March 2006

At least 30 students were arrested in Bulawayo Tuesday during demonstrations over recent ten-fold increases in tuition fees. The protesters were from the National University of Science and Technology, the Hillside Teachers College and the Bulawayo Polytechnic. Last week Mfundo Mlilo the Secretary General of the Students Executive Council at the University of Zimbabwe warned that students would embark on anti poverty demonstrations this week.

Mlilo, who was one of the student leaders suspended last week, said students in Masvingo and Harare were now making preparations to join their Bulawayo colleagues in protesting.

The regime has responded by putting security forces on high alert, especially at the University of Zimbabwe, where armed riot police with dogs have been sent in anticipation of demonstrations.

It’s reported that only 3% of the students at the University Zimbabwe have paid their fees. Out of 4 000 rooms available for residents only 100 have been paid for.