UNZA students mourn UNZA riot victim

Hundreds of University of Zambia students dressed in black have given a befitting send-off to their departed colleague Vespers Shimuzhila who suffocated as a result of teargas fired by Police during a riot last Thursday.

The students’ funeral procession started from the University through Great East road which they temporarily took over blocking traffic, before proceeding to the UNZA SDA church were the funeral church service was held.

Scores of people from all walks of life joined the students at UNZA SDA church in paying their last respects to Vespers who was in her final year of her studies.

Speaking during the church service, University of Zambia (UNZA) Vice Chancellor Professor Luke Mumba says the death of Vespers Shimunzhila has left a big dent on the University.

He says the University of Zambia is a place where life time goals are formed for the good of the nation and should not be a place where lives are lost.

Professor Mumba says violence does not pay and sometimes ends in unnecessary fatalities.

He says the University will do all it takes to implement measures aimed at maximizing security at the university and will also improve its coordination with the security units of the state.

Professor Mumba has also appealed to lectures, students, workers at UNZA to live by the ideals of the founding mothers and fathers of the University.

He has further called on everyone to commit themselves to more civil ways of resolving conflict.

And in a moving tribute, Visitor Shimuzhila, cousin and best friend to the deceased described her cousin as a very hardworking, intelligent and naturally gifted person who was passionate about her academics.

She says the demise of her cousin has left deep scars on the family

And SDA Lusaka Mission pastor, Evans Manjimela has encouraged the family to look up to God and find comfort in his word as they mourn.

Vespers Shimuzhila’s remains have since been taken to Namwala district in Southern province for burial.