The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has urged authorities to immediately release Nicole Chabata, a student arrested at an opposition leader’s residence on June 16. Chabata, who has been in custody for nearly three months, is scheduled to sit for her Ordinary Level exams soon and has already missed significant school time.
According to NewZim, ZINASU condemned Chabata’s prolonged detention, emphasising the impact on her education and future.
The union’s statement comes after the High Court acquitted 78 opposition activists, including Chabata, of disorderly conduct charges.
However, 66 others remain in jail awaiting trial for unlawful gathering. The students union’s call for Chabata’s release highlights concerns about the effects of prolonged detention on students’ academic prospects and well-being.
With exams looming, ZINASU demands that authorities prioritize Chabata’s education and freedom.
“The actions taken on Nicole reflect a disturbing trend of the regime trying to silence young voices that seek to promote social Justice and the rights of women. The unlawful arrest of Nicole deprived her of an opportunity to finish her 2nd term and with schools reopening today she won’t be attending school like other students.
“This undermines her educational journey simply because she celebrated the hope, resilience and the fundamental rights every child deserves. It is disheartening that a student meant to sit for her O level exams in a month is in detention,” wrote the ZINASU Gender Desk.
“As the student fraternity we demand that the responsible authorities and relevant institutions review these convictions and uphold justice.
“These women and activists are being subjected to unnecessary trauma, health conditions and institutionalized personality traits. The conditions in the prison cells are dehumanizing especially for innocent women and men that are wrongfully convicted.
“We demand that these cases be handled seriously such that Nicole can focus on her studies and sit for upcoming exams comfortably.”
