Umbwi students sent packing

Students at Umbwi Secondary School in Dedza have been sent home following riots on Thursday that led to the destruction of many properties, including Standard Bank and Bata Shop buildings plus vendors’ merchandise.

Students went on rampage when it was rumoured that the police had  arrested some criminals suspected to have killed a teacher at the school together with his wife and a child.

Both Dedza district education manager Billy Banda and Dedza Police spokesperson Edward Kabango confirmed to The Nation about the closure of the school.

“Students have been temporarily sent on leave for the police to investigate the matter. Investigations can be disturbed with the presence of students,” said Banda.

On Thursday, a teacher at the school, Cashion Phiri, his wife Alinane Khumalo and their six-year-old child were found dead in their home after neighbours got a bad smell from the deceased’s house.

“When rumour was rife that police had arrested the suspected murderers, students invaded Dedza Police Station demanding the immediate release of the alleged criminals so that they could execute mob justice on them. However, we told them that it was not true that we had arrested the suspects. But students did not believe the police response; hence, they went loose destroying properties of people and companies,” said Kabango.

Banda said officials decided to close the school following revenge by vendors who on Saturday threw a petrol bomb at the school’s kitchen.

According to Kabango, no student has been arrested as police investigations are still underway.