University of Malawi assess protest damage as Chanco opening hangs in limbo

University of Malawi (Unima) officials say they are assessing the damage at Chancellor College in Zomba following the violent protests over fee hike before a decision on its opening is made.

Unima  spokesperson Peter Mitunda said the damage is extensive therefore there was need to take stock.

“The decision on whether the students should come back has not been made,” he said.

The college was closed indefinitely on Wednesdy after some hostels were set on fire and vandalised, the clinic was vandalised as well as other college facilities as the students demanded the fee hike from K270000 per year to K400000.

The students also blocked the convoy of US second lady Jill Biden when she wanted to visit US funded projects in Zomba and damaged a police vehicle.

Police arrested over 20 students over the violent protests including students union leadership.

They have since been given bail.

Meanwhile, Polytechnic students who also staged another  violent students on Friday in solidarity with their Chancellor College peers, are scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Police spokesperson for the south James Kadadzera said the 14 students, who include five females, will be taken to Blantyre magistrates court for plea.

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