About 25 business owners, who were operating close to Mzuzu University (Mzuni), have given the academic institution a two-week ultimatum to settle a K45 million claim over damages that students caused during recent anti-fees hike demonstrations.
In a letter dated October 27 2023, addressed to Mzuni registrar, vice chancellor, the council and student representatives’ council, the businesspersons claim that the students’ violent protests led to the destruction of their property and loss of business.
They further argue that the university would have controlled the students and prevented them from violating their right to own property, as enshrined under Section 28 of Malawi Constitution, and their right to engage in economic activities under Section 29.
“In light of the gravity of the aforementioned transgression, we hereby demand that you compensate our clients in the amount K45 million for malicious damage to property and loss of business.
“We present this demand with the hope that it will be properly addressed, allowing for a resolution outside the court and avoiding the substantial cost associated with litigation,” the letter reads.
Lawyer for the concerned group Christon Ghambi confirmed writing the university, saying his clients are no longer conducting business as before.
“We are just acting as directed by our clients,” Ghambi said.
Mzuni Registrar Yonamu Ngwira said he was yet to see the letter.
Some of the business operators had their mobile money kiosks torched during the rampage.
A preliminary assessment report in our possession indicates that Luwinga Police Unit is demanding K350,000 to fix a sign post which was removed while the Roads Authority wants K5.3 million to work on some spots of the M1 Road which were destroyed.
Additionally, China State Construction Company, which is working on a project in the university’s vicinity, is claiming K11.3 million for the time wasted during the day of the violence.
The report also indicates that the university needs about K2 million to purchase motor vehicle tyres which were allegedly looted from the projects and estate department.
