University of Zimbabwe closed, students sent packing as VC escapes lynching in violent unrest

Students of the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) have been forced to vacate the institution following Tuesday's violent protests against the management.

Angered by a strike action by lecturers and catering staff, UV students had besieged the institution's administrators who had to flee for their dear lives.

According to NewZimbabwe.com, the institution's Vice Chancellor, Levy Nyagura, narrowly escaped lynching, speeding out of the institution in his Toyota Hilux vehicle, with his primary school child.

Following the violence, UZ Registrar, Sergeant Chevo, announced that the school has been shut down with immediate effect.

"The University of Zimbabwe is on recess from 17 March, 2015 to Tuesday 24 March, 2015 in order to address issues that require immediate attention," Chevo said in a statement.

Students were asked to vacate the institution immediately.

"All students are expected to vacate the halls of residence and the University Campus with immediate effect and by not later than 3.00 pm today, 17 March 2015. Lectures will resume on Wednesday 25 March, 2015."

The president of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), Gilbert Mutubuki, told NewZimbabwe.com that the students were angry because the institution spent money on President Robert Mugabe's birthday party while ignoring their pressing needs as well as the on-going strike by lecturers and catering staff of the institution.

"Today the students went to the halls of residence to find no food, they then went to lecture rooms to find no lecturers," the students’ leader said.

"We then said to ourselves that we have paid more than $900,00 for us to have education and food only for someone to take our money and donate towards some birthday parties of certain politicians and congresses."

gathered that the institution had in late February flown some students and staff to President Mugabe's birthday party at Victoria Falls.

Baton wielding policemen, water cannon trucks and teargas were deployed to calm the situation.

University of Zimbabwe closed, students sent packing as VC escapes lynching in violent unrest

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