Harare Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU) has denounced the recent actions of 44 Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) members, who were arrested at the ZESA Training Centre in Belvedere, Harare.
ZICOSU described the students’ behavior as “mindless thuggery” and commended the police for their swift intervention.
“The Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union strongly condemns the brazen acts of violence and destruction perpetrated by 44 Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) hooligans. This mindless thuggery has no place in our peaceful and progressive nation.” A statement from ZICOSU said.
However, ZINASU Harare Provincial Chairperson Tatenda Kudzai disputed this account, claiming the students were holding a peaceful meeting when police arrived and made the arrests.
“We were conducting ourselves peacefully when we were brutally assaulted by the police.” Said Vital Maronjese a student activist
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi provided a different account, stating that the police intervened after being called to attend a violent situation that had erupted among the students.
“The police were not responsible for the violence but were called in to maintain law and order.” Explained Comm. Paul Nyathi
ZICOSU’s statement has been criticized by some, who accuse the union of being aligned with the ruling ZANU-PF party and suppressing dissenting voices and student activism critical of the government.
“ZICOSU has been criticized for its close ties to the ruling party and for allegedly using its position to suppress dissenting voices and student activism.”
Zim GBC News©2024