Mzuzu University Student Disciplinary Committee has suspended Face-to-Face Students Association (Fafasa) chairperson Allan Chiyembekezo for two academic years over the alleged misuse of transport funds collected from fellow students.
According to a disciplinary outcome notice dated May 12 and signed by University Registrar Yonamu Ngwira, the Vice-Chancellor approved the committee’s recommendations after reviewing cases of student misconduct.
Chiyembekezo, a Level Three Bachelor of Arts in Public Governance student, appeared before the disciplinary committee during a hearing held on April 10 this year.
In the same case, the committee acquitted Timothy Mwale, a Level Two Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies student, of all charges.
The disciplinary action follows investigations into the alleged disappearance of K3.5 million collected from 86 students under a subsidised transport arrangement.
In February this year, police in Mzuzu arrested Chiyembekezo and Mwale on suspicion that they misused money students contributed for transport home at the end of the semester.
Mzuzu Police spokesperson Augustus Nkhwazi then said the two students were among undergraduate representatives entrusted with collecting and managing the funds.
However, students later raised complaints after the money allegedly went missing, prompting police investigations.
Police earlier indicated that the two suspects would appear before the court to answer theft charges.
But the university disciplinary committee later cleared Mwale of any wrongdoing while finding Chiyembekezo guilty, leading to his suspension for two academic years.
The case has raised concerns among students over transparency and accountability in student-led fundraising initiatives at the university.
