Government will open an inquest into the death of UNZA student

Government will open an inquest into the death of UNZA student Vespers Shimuzhila. Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo says the inquest will come after thorough investigations into the death of Ms Shimuzhila have been concluded.

Mr Kampyongo says the investigations will cover events prior, during and after the riots.

He told journalists at a media briefing that anyone who will be found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.

Mr Kampyongo said the inquest results will be supplemented by post-mortem results for the deceased student.

He called for calm saying it is too early to blame the Police for the death of Ms Shimuzhila.

Below is the Ministerial full statement

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA RIOTS THAT LED TO DEATH OF A STUDENT AND AN INJURY OF ANOTHER STUDENT.
I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the late Vespers Shimuzhila a University of Zambia fourth year student who passed away on Friday 5th October, 2018 during the riot at the institution.

Further, I would like to sympathise with the family for Evelyn Chongo a second year student who sustained a spinal injury after jumping from the second floor of her hostel during the same riot at the institution.

I wish to inform the nation that my Ministry and Government is very concerned about what transpired at the highest learning institution. However, I can not give more details concerning the matter as the Ministry is doing its investigations which will help provide more information and come up with a clear report.

The investigations which are currently being conducted by the police and other investigative wings will cover what transpired for the period; prior to the riot, during and after the riot at the institution.

Besudes that, there will be an inquest whereby other people who might have other pieces of information concerning the same will be allowed to provide the information to the team that would undertake the inquest.

The results of the inquest will be supplemented by the postmortem reoort for the deceased student and once this information is put together the nation shall be informed accordingly.

The Ministry shall ensure that investigations are carried out professionally
and those who will be found wanting will be dealt with according to the law. There will be no sacred cows on this matter.

I also wish to mention that the President is also concerned with the welfare of the students hence the decision to evacuate the injured student for specialised treatment to South Africa.

I wish therefore, to appeal to all the family members, students populace and the general public to allow the investigative wings to do their work without interference.

HON. STEPHEN KAMPYONGO (MP),
HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER

Lusaka Times