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Students score significant victory
Students Solidarity Trust
May 11, 2012

Five University of Zimbabwe students were yesterday granted an interim order lifting an indefinite suspension issued to them by the University of Zimbabwe. The five, Tinashe Chisaira (student representative council (SRC) vice president), Kokerai Murombo (SRC Treasurer), James Katso, Zechariah Mushawatu and Gilbert Sibanda appeared before Justice Mutema at the Harare High Court yesterday the 10th of May 2011. The five were indefinitely suspended by the University of Zimbabwe on the 4th of April.

In his interim order reinstating the students, Justice Mutema ordered that the students be now allowed to access lectures, tutorials, library facilities as well as sitting for examinations.

The University of Zimbabwe is charging them with deformation of character. Their charge and suspension emanate from the students alleged misuse of a photo they were taken with the university's Vice Chancellor Professor Levi Nyagura on the 24th of March. The students used the photo in a campaign newsletter on campus which was posted on face book and other social networks.

Despite the fact that the students' hearing has not yet been concluded due to the university failing to get Professor Nyagura to come and testify, the students had already been convicted by being unfairly suspended before the logical conclusion of their case.

The Students Solidarity Trust urges the university authorities to respect the judgment and allow the students to complete their education. The Trust also urges the disciplinary panel to work diligently to conclude the case.

Visit the Students Solidarity Trust fact sheet

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