UNZA students on Thursday night protested demanding for enhanced security at the institution following the killing of Lipalile Simasiku, a third year student from the school of humanities and social sciences, by unknown people.
University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) vice-president Martin Nundwe explained that Simasiku’s body was discovered between Kalingalinga and UNZA on Saturday last week by some passersby.
“The students last night conducted a peaceful demonstration, demanding for security after one of our colleagues Lipalile Simasiku, who was killed on Friday was discovered dead on Saturday at this nearby bush which demarcates UNZA and Kalingalinga compound. He was attacked by unknown people on the evening of Friday and what the students are demanding for is just security,” he said.
Nundwe further explained that some female students from UNZA were recently raped and victimised by some criminals who were using the same bush near Kalingalinga as their hideout.
“We have also received reports of some of our female students that have been raped and harassed by some men around that place and we just can’t allow this to continue,” he said.
He said the students decided to carry out a peaceful demonstration to air their grievances because management was not doing anything to enhance security around that area.
“The students are just aggrieved because nothing has so far been done to address the security concerns here at UNZA. And I want to make it clear that it was just a peaceful demonstration and nothing else because they did not break any cars, demolish or damage any infrastructure,” he added.
Nundwe said calm had returned at the learning institution, adding that no students were picked up by the police for riotous behaviour.
Meanwhile, Nundwe appealed to students to avoid moving around the institution and nearby places during awkward hours to avoid similar incidences while female students should ensure that they moved in groups.
“I want to assure the students that we are working out a plan that will ensure improved security conditions at UNZA before the next academic year,” he said.
“I also want to ask my fellow students to keep calm because this is an exam period. Let them concentrate and ensure that they work hard.”
And a check at the institution found a small number of police officers keeping vigil.
By Justinah Mukuka