Maravi

Tunkara's arrest saddens former UNZASU president

Tunkara's arrest saddens former UNZASU president
By Staff Reporter
Fri 22 Mar. 2013, 14:01 CAT

FORMER UNZASU president Kelvin Hambwezya has described the arrest of current union leader Ali Tunkara for forgery, uttering false statements and attempted theft as shameful.

Hambwezya has advised the current student leadership to lead the union in a mature manner bearing in mind the important role it plays in the country.

Speaking in light of the arrest of University of Zambia Students' Union (UNZASU) president Ali Tunkara and two other students for forgery, uttering and attempted theft of KR50,000, Hambwezya said he was saddened by the development.

"I am trembling with shame to see UNZASU president being dragged to court over alleged criminal activities. UNZA is known for fighting for justice. Since it was formed it has championed good causes," Hambwezya said.

"I humbly request the University of Zambia authorities and government wings involved to sort out the matter administratively especially that the money was not stolen because their future will be in tartars."

Hambwezya said it was important for UNZASU leaders to run the union in a mature enough manner and not embarrass those that once led it.

"I ran that institution at a critical time during the third term debate of the late president Frecerick Chiluba… We organised demonstrations, collaborated with Civil society organisations and together we brought to a halt that attempt to abrogate Constitution of the land. So UNZASU is known for such things not illegality. Can the President (Michael Sata) pardon these guys," said Hambwezya.

The Drug Enforcement Commission arrested Tunkara and two other students for forgery, uttering of false documents and attempted theft involving K50 million (KR50,000).

Tunkara, 25, of 22/11 Emmasdale Lusaka, was arrested and jointly charged with Augustine Mukuka, 24, of Chilanga and Philip Siame, 24, of 7876/2 Woodlands Extension, Lusaka.

It is alleged that Tunkara whilst acting jointly with Mukuka and Siame, both students at UNZA, between December 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013, did forge the signature of the deputy Dean of Students, purporting that he had authored an introductory letter to a named bank to enable them open a bank account for the union and deposit a cheque of K50,000,000, donated to the student union by Munali PF member of parliament Nkandu Luo through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Tunkara has meanwhile pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Labels: ALI TUNKARA, KELVIN HAMBWEZYA, STUDENTS, UNIONS, UNSAZU

posted by MrK @ 3:53 PM