University students in running battles with police in Zambia

Police last night fired teargas canisters at protesting Copperbelt University students who stormed the streets overnight.

Copperbelt University unionized academic staff are on go slow after they rejected what they call “a mockery salary increment”.

The offer is between four and five percent for the 2022 negotiations for improved salaries and conditions of service.

Copperbelt University Academic Union general secretary Willie Ngosa on Sunday said the decision to reject the increment was resolved in a letter dated March 16, 2022 addressed to the Registrar.

“Following a general meeting we held on Tuesday (last week) on the subject of the 2022 negotiations for improved salaries and conditions of service, the way forward is that we have unanimously resolved to reject the salary offer given by management especially that there was no salary increment in 2021,” said Ngosa on Sunday.

Following a week of the sit in protest by lecturers, students last night blocked Jambo Drive around 23:00 hours in protest.

However, police in riot gear fired teargass canisters to stop the students from further rioting.

Police are yet to give a statement on the extent of damage caused.

Source:Zambia reports