By MOFFAT CHAZINGWA –

MORE than 140 students at the Copperbelt University (CBU) in Kitwe have been detained following yesterday’s rioting sparked by the continued strike by lecturers.
Chief Government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili said a comprehensive statement on the confusion at CBU will be issued today.
“I will issue a statement today after further consultations with the Ministry of Education,” Mr Kambwili, who is Information and Broadcasting Services Minister said in a separate interview.
The lecturers downed tools on Wednesday last week demanding the resignation of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor Naison Ngoma and the management.
Two union officials, CBU Academics Union (CBUAU) general secretary Kawunga Nyirenda and student’s union leader Mwiya Songolo were also detained and later released for conduct likely to cause the breach of peace.
The students took to the streets blocking Jambo Drive with burning tyres, logs and stones- in the process forcing motorists and other road users to use alternative routes.
The institution has been rocked with confusion after lecturers downed tools on Wednesday last week, demanding the resignation of the professor and his management.
Amidst the mounting confusion, the lecturers through CBUAU general secretary Kawunga Nyirenda maintained they would not resume work until Professor Ngoma stepped down.
The students mobilised around 10:00 hours yesterday to air their anger and fought running battles with Police in riot gear.
Fumes of teargas characterised the radius around the institution’s main entrance, where the students blocked the entrance, throwing stones at the advancing officers, in the confusion forcing members of the public to scamper for safety.
Outnumbered by the students, Police reinforcement had to be called-in to quell the unruly students.
Copperbelt University Students Union (COBUSU) acting president Miselo Mumba said the protest was due to the continued work boycott by the lecturers.
“We are tired of being in a situation where first our vacation was extended by a month and now it’s the lecturers who have downed tools, students are also affected in this entire circus and there is need to stop it,” he said.
The riot was only subdued around 12:00 hours when sufficient Police officers arrived.
The apprehended students were bundled in waiting Police transport and taken to the Police station.
Copperbelt Commissioner of Police Joyce Kasosa said students were still undergoing screening and further details would be communicated today.
“We have apprehended students but the figure can be beyond 140, but the process of screening is taking place at the various Police stations where they are being held, other details will be communicated tomorrow (today),” Ms Kasosa said.