The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) says it intends to reach out to the deceased UNZA student’s family to provide the requisite legal support in order to ensure that ends of justice is met in the matter

In a statement issued and signed by the LAZ Council, the association condemned police for teargassing hostels which led to Vespers Shimuzhila’s untimely death.

“The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) joins carious organizations, institutions and individuals who have condemned the conduct of Zambia police officers at the University of Zambia (UNZA) Great East Road Campus on or about 4th October 2018, which led to the untimely death of a fourth-year student Vespers Shimuzhila. LAZ condemns the excessive force used by the police officers who are reported to have followed unarmed and peaceful students who were in their rooms after the demonstration and threw teargas canisters in the rooms. Although LAZ does not support any unlawful action of the students, such as blocking of the Great East Road and endangering the lives of motorists and other road users, LAZ condemns in the strongest possible terms, heavy handed and disproportionate police action that violates individual human rights,” the LAZ Council stated.

The association expressed interest to offer legal support to Vespers’ family in order to ensure that justice prevails.

“LAZ also calls on the Inspector General of police to institute prompt and thorough investigations into the incidence and to make the findings public. Any officer who will be found wanting should face the law. LAZ also expects that this incident will not end quietly but that justice will be done in the matter. LAZ intends to reach out to the deceased student’s family to provide the requisite legal support to ensure that ends of justice is met,” stated the LAZ Council.

“LAZ sincerely regrets the death of Vespers Shimuzhila and its deepest sympathies and condolences to her family and colleagues LAZ expects that the government will take the necessary action to support Vespers’ family. LAZ demands that police officers should follow the law at all times in such situations and act professionally. The police have a noble and public duty to maintain law and order in public but they are not expected to act outside the confines of law in any situation.”