COPPERBELT University Students (CBU) were yesterday disturbed after they learned that three of their fellow students had been hit by a vehicle and died.
However, it is two of those three students who died instantly, while the third is believed to be in hospital recuperating.
The students who have died are Thabo Mumbi aged 21 and Bwalya Christian Henschel
While Josphate Muyambwa aged 22, was taken to hospital.
The CBU students then ran amok and blocked the roads with big stones, while they have called off all lessons in school today until further notice.
Copperbelt Province commanding officer Peacewell Mweemba who confirmed the sad development said it occurred between yesterday and today.
"Facts are that the vehicle whose details is not yet known , but being driven Esther Aponde aged 26 currently in detention at Nkana East Police Station hit three male students of CBU. One student identified as Thabo Mumbi aged 21 other details not known died on the spot while Josphate Muyambwa aged 22 died at the hospital and the other who's not yet identified is admitted in Kitwe teaching hospital and update on their condition to be given later," he said.
He said that the students then ran amock after hearing that three fellow students had been hit by a vehicle.
"This information did not seat well with them as they ran amok by blocking Jambo drive road with big stones and setting up of fire. They went on to loot the shop which is opposite to the main gate and the other one which is inside the campus. Also some mobile money booths near the main gate were burnt in the process. They only dispersed after police officers fired some tear smokes on them," he said.
And Copperbelt University Student Union President (COBUSU), Castro Mulilo also confirmed the sad news and business has been suspended at the facility until further notice.
"Three male students were involved in a Road Traffic Accident a few meters away from CBU entrance yesterday around 21:30 hours .The three students are identified as Thabo Mumbi third year student at the School of Engineering, Bwalya Christian Henschel, also a student from the school of Engineering and Josphat a former student from Nortec . Sadly, Thabo Mumbi died on the spot and Bwalya Christian Henschel died few minutes after being rushed to Kitwe Teaching Hospital. Meanwhile, Josphat survived with minor injuries. The bodies of the deceased were yesterday deposited into the Kitwe teaching hospital mortuary," he said.
He said the three students were hit by a speeding motor vehicle that was coming from campus heading to Nkana East.
"To the CBU student populace, and the entire CBU community, be informed that there shall be no classes or tests until further notice. Therefore this morning, we shall all be in black to peacefully protest around campus for the premature deaths of our beloved friends," he said.
(Mwebantu, Monday, 26th June, 2023)