University of Zimbabwe student leaders expelled

By Violet Gonda
16 March 2006

Three student leaders from the University of Zimbabwe who were suspended last week pending a disciplinary hearing have been expelled, for allegedly inciting a series of crippling demonstrations. The students have been leading demonstrations over fee hikes.

The activists are accused of addressing students, urging them not to pay fees and disrupting university business amongst other issues.

The three from the Student Executive Council who were served with expulsion letters on Thursday are Mfundo Mlilo, Collen Chibango and Wellington Mahohoma.

Chibango who is the SEC vice president said they will challenge the expulsions in the High Court as they are illegal. He said the charges against them are unwarranted and have nothing to do with any disciplinary measures but is to do with political interference from the government. “It’s got more to do with the silencing of the masses in Zimbabwe in general and the students in particular.”

Undeterred the students leaders, who say they have the full support of the students especially on the issue of school fees, have vowed to continue with the student movement.

We were not able to get a comment from university authorities.