Kabadwa Private School Students Set Hostel on Fire Over Alleged Poor Meals, Authorities Dispute Claims

Twelve students at Kabadwa Private Secondary Schoo in Zomba, have been arrested after part of the school’s hostel block was deliberately set on fire overnight, following unrest triggered by complaints over alleged poor quality meals.

Students told local reporters that the protests escalated after continued dissatisfaction with food in the boarding facility, with some claiming the meals provided were neither adequate nor nutritious.

But school authorities have rejected the allegations, insisting food was not the cause of the violence.

In a statement, officials said students initially attended their scheduled evening prep studies when a brief power outage occurred, lasting only a few minutes. According to the administration, calm was restored when electricity returned, but once learners were instructed to resume the prep session, some began disobeying staff, defying instructions, and “misbehaving”, triggering spontaneous demonstrations.

“The students had their food properly, and no one had lodged an official complaint. Infact, at the time of enrolment, all boarding students sign under an agreed menu confirming they accept what the school offers,” the statement read. “What followed was defiance of authority, disobedience, and eventually demonstrations — this quickly turned into destruction.”

The school further described the matter as a criminal investigation rather than a routine student protest.

“Parents and guardians are informed from the onset that learners agree to our terms by signing under the menu. The situation escalated rapidly and we involved the police because this is more of a criminal case than simply students demonstrating,” Kabadwa authorities explained.

Zomba Police spokesperson Patricia Sipiliano confirmed the fire incident and said investigations were actively underway to determine the full sequence of events.

The school has since been closed indefinitely pending the outcome of the police inquiry. No injuries have been reported.