Sitiya suspended for leading student protest

In a letter handed to him on May 19, when the University disciplinary committee resumed sitting, the student leader was informed that he would spend the next two years on suspension commencing May 7, 2008.The disciplinary committee has also recommended that on his return after serving two years outside the University, Sitiya will not be allowed to hold any position of responsibility within the university Students’ Union structures and that he will not be eligible for accommodation in any of the university halls of residence.

Sitiya last appeared before the committee on 4 and 6 December 2007. Other students who appeared before the same disciplinary committee are Fortune Chamba (Legal Affairs Secretary) of the Students Executive Council (SEC) and Shingirai Chikomba.Chamba now awaits the verdict of the committee while Chikomba has his case referred to the Vice-Chancellor.Lovemore Chinoputsa, the former University of Zimbabwe students’ executive council president who is now the Secretary General of Zimbabwe National students Union (ZINASU), and Shadreck Vengesai were scheduled to appear before the same committee on the same day. Their hearing was further postponed due to time constraints.

The expulsion of Sitiya follows the one handed to Shawn Matshesa last year. Matsheza was the Vice-President of the SEC.