Police in Bulawayo arrested Zimbabwe National Students Union President Promise Mkwananzi and nine other activists on Wednesday for mobilizing student boycotts of classes at a number of institutions to protest massive tuition increases.
Eyewitnesses said the student activists were arrested Wednesday afternoon as they encouraged students to keep boycotting classes over a 2,000% hike in fees.
The other nine in police custody were ZINASU Secretary General Beloved Chiweshe, ZINASU Legal Affairs Secretary Melward Makwenjere, National University of Science and Technology Student Representative Council President Clever Bere, Bulawayo Polyechnic Student Council President Blessing Vava, University of Zimbabwe Student Council President Emmanuel Nyoni, United College of Education Student Council President Jonathan Magabathela, Hillside Teachers College Student Council President Tafadzwa Chengetwa and Bulawayo Polytechnic Student Council Finance Secretary Gladys Mukubvu.
National Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe Chairman Lawrence Mashungu told reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that students will continue their class boycotts despite the arrests of student leaders.
More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...