Five Mzuzu University (Mzuni) students who were arrested on Monday following rampage at the school have been released on police bail after being charged of breach of peace.
The case is contrary to Section 181 of the Penal Code and attracts a fine depending on the gravity of the offence and sentence of not less than three months imprisonment with hard labour. Investigations relating to their case are also in progress
The students went on rampage to protest delays in the release of stationery allowances after being on campus for five weeks without getting the allowances. The incident irked the students who blocked the Mzuzu-Karonga M1 Road, blocking traffic and they were dispersed by police.
Mzuzu Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola and Mzuzu University Students Representative Council president Abel Phompho confirmed the release on Tuesday.
“All of them have been released on bail after spending a night in the police cell. They are to report at the station on the on April 29. If they fail to do so, it will mean jumping bail and they may be rearrested.
“They have been officially charged and will appear before court soon to answer their charge, conduct likely to cause breach of peace,” said Chapola.
Meanwhile, the status quo has been restored at the school following assurance that the students will get their money on Thursday this week.
Phompho said classes resumed on Tuesday and the five arrested were at the school.
“We were assured on Monday that the students will have the money in their accounts by Thursday. We communicated the news to the students in the evening and appealed that they go back to classes,” said Phompho.
