Zambian student dies after university protest

Zambia's governing PF party has called for an investigation after a final-year female student at the University of Zambia (Unza) died in the wake of a student protest last night against unpaid meal allowances.

Vesper Shimuzhila suffocated after tear gas was thrown into her room as the protest turned violent.

A fire also broke out.

Police spokesperson Esther Katongo confirmed the death.

She said officers from Lusaka Division rushed to calm the situation at Unza but due to the volatile situation, reinforcements were sought from a paramilitary battalion.

Ms Katongo said officers managed to restore order after midnight.