Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
The Students Representative Council (SRC) at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) has alleged that several students were arrested by police following their attendance at a Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) rally, and have since been detained without charge for more than 48 hours.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the SRC said the students were taken into custody shortly after the opposition gathering on Sunday, but police have not laid any formal charges against them and have allegedly barred family members, lawyers, and student representatives from visiting them.
“We are deeply concerned by the continued detention of our fellow students, who include Blessing Banda, Jane Tembo, Delvin Kajese and Stembile Mandave,” the SRC said. “They were arrested after attending an MDC rally and have now spent two days in police custody without being charged or granted access to visitors, which raises serious concerns about their safety and constitutional rights.”
According to the SRC, the students were last seen being transported to a local police station in Bindura. Efforts by fellow students and relatives to establish their exact whereabouts and well-being have reportedly been unsuccessful, with police officers declining to provide details.
Zimbabwean law requires that arrested persons be brought before a court within 48 hours, except in limited circumstances. Human rights advocates say holding individuals beyond this period without charge or access to legal counsel may amount to a violation of due process.
The SRC has called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to immediately clarify the legal basis for the detentions and either release the students or bring them before a court of law. The student body also urged university authorities to intervene and ensure the protection of students’ rights.
“We expect the university administration to stand by its students, regardless of political affiliation,” the SRC added. “Attending a political rally should not be treated as a criminal offence.”
When contacted for comment, police officials had not responded by the time of publication. BUSE management also declined to comment, saying they were “seeking more information on the matter.”
The alleged arrests come amid heightened political tensions and increased scrutiny of opposition activities across the country. Student groups and civil society organisations have warned that young people, particularly university students, are increasingly being targeted for their perceived political views.
The SRC said it would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, while calling for solidarity from other student unions and human rights organisations until the detained students are released or formally charged.
derick.khumalo