Mzuzu University (Mzuni) students went berserk yesterday morning, protesting delayed payment of their upkeep allowance from government.

The students blocked the M1 Road in the morning, but were chased by armed police officers who responded to let traffic flow.

Their running battles with police lasted for over five hours as the students kept reacting to the throwing of tear gas by the police.

Mzuni Student Representative Council (Musrec) president Nyozomo Gondwe said the students were promised they would receive their allowances after registering, but to their surprise government delayed the allowances, a development that irked them.

“We opened school on Monday last week and students started registering on Tuesday. They were told they will get their allowances after registering, but there was a problem regarding the finances,” said Gondwe.

He said Musrec engaged management on the allowances to help calm the situation. He said they have since been assured that payments have started and the students will access their money.

Mzuzu Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola said no arrests have been made and that there were no injuries reported.

“We acted professionally and we responded on time. We managed to quell the situation even though the students were so violent. No injuries have been reported and there are no property damages.

“However, We are still monitoring the situation to ensure that the status quo is maintained,” said Chapola.