Over 11 students from Chancellor college, a constituent college of the University of Malawi (UNIMA) in Zomba are in Police custody for allegedly being in the forefront in the ongoing demonstrations against fee hike.
University of Malawi Students Union (Umsu) president Tionge Sikwese has confirmed of the arrest in an interview with the press.
Sikwese identified the arrested students as Hazel Chiomba, Sithembile Shawa, Glory Mwakaileke, Ellen banda, Martha Sani, Chimwemwe Msosa Caroline Njete, Yamikani Bema, Tinenenji Kabudula and Hope Phiri.
It is said that things went out of hand when the police invaded the college by firing teargas at the students who retaliated by smashing a police vehicle.
According to the Sikwese, the students want the University Council to rescind its decision on the fee hike, saying students cannot afford the new tuition fees.
Sikwese said that the students will today start a vigil at the University Council and they will boycott the exams.
Unima council recently announced that mature entry students will be paying tuition fees ranging from K900 000 ($1249) to K1.4 million ($1 942), first year generic students will pay fees in the range of K400 000 ($555) to K600 000 ($833) while continuing students will pay K400 000 per annum.
