Riot police disrupt students meeting in Bulawayo

By Lance Guma
14 June 2007

There was commotion at the Bulawayo Polytechnic Thursday when riot police disrupted what was meant to be a meeting of students to discuss issues affecting them. A statement from the Zimbabwe National Students Union says 4 truckloads of riot police were used to disrupt the gathering. The students had gathered at the ‘Hunger Square’ a popular assembly point and discussing the issue of top us fees which has seen authorities demanding Z$750 000 fees for accommodation per student. Those who fail to raise the amount are being denied the chance to sit for examinations.

Former Bulawayo Polytechnic SRC president Blessing Vava and Clever Bere who leads the National University of Science and Technology student body, all addressed the students. Other student leaders like Mehluli Dube, Themba Mapenduka and Pritchard Bhebhe were present. Students at the meeting took issue with the problem of constant power cuts, which they say are disrupting their learning. Others are not happy with government attempts to bond them in return for government loans which they pay back in the end. The students have meanwhile resolved to embark on class boycotts in order to put pressure on government to address their concerns.