UZ Rejects MDC Youth Leader's Application to Resume Studies

WASHINGTON —  Efforts by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Youth Assembly leader, Solomon Madzore, to resume his studies at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) have been rejected by authorities.

Madzore, who spent 12 months in remand prison on charges of allegedly murdering police inspector Petros Mutedza in the Glen View in 2011, had applied to defer his social work studies during his incarceration, but on applying to resume his studies, the registrar gave him a one-line response saying his application was unsuccessful.

Madzore's letter read in part: “I regret to inform you that your application for resumption of studies was unsuccessful.”

VOA reached out to UZ Dean of Students Dr. Munyaradzi Madambi, who refused to comment saying he was unaware of the matter.

University students expecting to spend a considerable time away from their studies are allowed to apply for deferment but are required to apply to resume studies.

Madzore told VOA the university is yet to give a reason for the denial.

Interview With Solomon Madzore

"It was written all over their faces that there was some kind of instruction there and all they could tell me was Mr. Madzore I think we have been told that you can't proceed because your case is not yet over," said Madzore.

Agent Gumbo, president of the University of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe National Students Union chapter, said it is hard for him not to believe the move was political. He said though Madzore had been away, it was not based on his own choice.

Interview With Agent Gumbo

Madzore, who is left with a semester to complete his studies, has left the matter to his lawyers to appeal the decision made by the universtiy.