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Police assault students in Bulawayo
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
February 13, 2008

More than one hundred students marched in the streets of Bulawayo this afternoon over the education crisis that is facing the country. They were singing revolutionary songs mourning the death of the education system in the country. Mass pressure on the government was one of the resolutions that were adopted by the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) at their biannual congress held early this year in Harare.

Four students were arrested while several others were injured when riot police descended on the defenseless students. Privillege Matanga, a pregnant female student leader was also assaulted by the police during this demonstration. It is believed that one student has been abducted by plainclothes policemen and his whereabouts are not known.

This is happening a month before the harmonized election in the country. The education system in Zimbabwe has collapsed with the government concentrating on political issues leaving both students and lectures with no option but to demonstrate or engage in industrial action.

Meanwhile Marvellous Kumalo a former student leader and an advocacy officer with ZINASU has been released from police custody after paying seven hundred million dollars bail. Kumalo is an aspiring member of the house of assembly for St Mary's constituency. He was arrested on Sunday evening while campaigning in his constituency. He is being charged with public violence after his supporters were provoked by Job Sikhala who is the sitting member of the house of assembly for St Mary's. He is expected to appear in court on 28 February.

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