Box 48: Dedza secondary school shuts down in central Malawi after riots
Dedza Secondary School, popularly known as Box 48 in central Malawi has been shut down following continued protests against congestion and poor diet at the facility by the students.
The students were on Wednesday morning ordered to leave the campus by 3pm.
Protests and demonstrations started on Monday after storming the district’s education office (Demo) for possible solution to their concerns.
The students claimed that they have been eating meals especially Nsima and porridge made from “rotten maize flour” and “weevil infested beans”.
They also claimed that there is congestion at the facility, which, they said, does not have enough beds for all students, forcing three students to sleep on one bed while others sleep on the floor.
They further claimed that school’s ablution blocks are germ-infested.
The district’s education manager, Billy Banda confirmed the development, saying the ministry of education has resolved to close the facility because of the continued protest by the students.
Banda further said the order was relayed to the students by the district’s “senior” police officers.
Meanwhile, there is heavy presence of armed police officers to ensure safety of the school’s proper.
