55 CBU students arrested for illegal protest

POLICE In Kitwe have arrested 55 Copperbelt University (CBU) first year students for protesting without a police permit.

Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga confirmed the incident in an interview yesterday, that the 55 have been charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

Ms Katanga said among the 55 first year students, 11 are female while the rest are male.

She said the students who were marching from CBU campus were intercepted by the Police near Mukuba Mall round about.

Ms Katanga has since warned students from taking issues in their own hands but instead follow proper channels.

She said students must desist from protesting without informing police to ensure that order was maintained.

Ms Katanga said the 55 students were marching with placards complaining of delayed meal and book allowances and accommodation.

She said the students were appealing to government and well wishers to intervene because the pressure was too much but the students did not follow proper procedure and have since been detained at Nkana East Police station. "I just wish to advise the students that they should follow the law. If they want to protest, they first notify the police as required by law to ensure that everything is done orderly.

The students are detained at Nkana East police and charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace," she said.