ZIMBABWE: Students targeted for detentions, arrests

Zimbabwean students have commemorated international students' day against a background of arrests and detentions. More than 40 students have appeared in court since September. This is according to a student rights organisation report that also highlights abuses of student rights in other countries in Southern Africa.

According to a report by the Students Solidarity Trust (SST), a not-for-profit organisation championing student rights, in September and October this year alone, 32 students were subjected to illegal detentions and arrests, while more than 40 appeared in court for various crimes, some of which were said to have been committed last year.

The report added that at the National University of Science and Technology, four students - Duncan Mombeshora, Beven Nyamande, David Mushawani and Ernest Makoni - also appeared in court this month accused of "participating in an illegal gathering with intentions of causing public violence". They were arrested for allegedly planning a demonstration against unaffordable tuition fees.

The organisation argued that Zimbabwe's vice-chancellors and college principals continue to ensure that students' rights are not respected, through a calculated scheme of suspensions and expulsions as students bear the brunt of ruthless political machinery directed at them.

In the capital Harare, the organisation said labour law lecturer Munyaradzi Gwisai and student Welcome Zimuto appeared in court five times in September alone, facing trumped-up charges of complicity to commit public violence.

The organisation said Zimuto is required to report once a month at Harare Central Police Station as part of his bail condition.

"Masvingo recorded two court appearances involving a group of five student activists...Joshua Chinyere, Zivanai Mazorodzi, Godfrey Kurauone, Arnold Batirai and Gamuchirai Mukura appeared in court twice facing charges of public indecency following a student demonstration on campus. During the second appearance, the five were cleared of all charges by a magistrate," said the trust.

It added that after gaining independence, most African states had embarked on an aggressive drive to build schools, colleges and universities. But unfortunately the situation soon changed as most African leaders concentrated on consolidating power. This resulted in the purchase of books and medicines being overtaken by the purchase of tear gas and firearms.

"Eleven years into the 21st century, the script remains the same despite the change of actors in some countries. Malawians are still wiping away their tears after the brutal murder of Robert Chisowa, a student.

"Even after having bade farewell to Kamuzu Banda in favour of multi-party democracy, President Bingu wa Mutharika and his brother Arthur, the minister of education, science and technology, continue to ignore the rights of students.

"Under Mutharika's watch, lecturers have been victimised, colleges closed and now the brutal end to a young life in the person of Robert Chisowa," said the organisation.

Further, in April the Swazi authorities under King Mswati incarcerated Maxwell Dlamini on "trumped-up charges of possessing firearms after he had called for a peaceful demonstration and misrule. Dlamini's rights continue to be violated as he languishes in a sub-standard Swazi jail."

Swazi students and the student community around the world demand the end of Dlamini's persecution through his immediate release without charge," the organisation concluded.

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