Zambian student death sparks ‘police brutality’ march

By Kennedy Gondwe

Hundreds of students from the University of Zambia (Unza) this morning staged a march in memory of a student who was killed last week when tear gas was thrown into her room.

Vespers Shimuzhila died from suspected suffocation after her room caught fire.

Police had used tear gas to quell a riot that broke out at a student protest against delayed meal allowances on Thursday.

Elijah Mutambo, one of the students, told the BBC that students were “hurt”, “saddened” and “want justice to prevail.” Those at today’s march sang songs protesting about police brutality before attending the church service for Ms Shimuzhila.

Students at the university are demanding a thorough investigation into Ms Shimuzhila’s death, and some have taken to social media using the hashtag #JusticeForVespers:

Chief government spokesperson Dora Siliya, who attended the church service for Ms Shimuzhila, also tweeted:

I attended the service for Vespers. Mostly calm but for a few drank students who feel shouting unpalatables at Govt serves them well.
We need to dialogue on how to fund higher education going forward. Tax payers supporting drankness and violence at UNZA can’t continue.

— Hon. Dora Siliya, MP (@Dora_Siliya) October 8, 2018

Ms Shimuzhila’s body will be transported to Namwala district, southern Zambia, where she will be buried. BBC News