The Ministry of Education has revealed that 462 learners were arrested following a wave of school unrest reported across the country during the second term of 2026, with some being taken to court while others were referred for counselling after investigations.
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa disclosed the figures on Tuesday when he appeared before the National Assembly Education Committee, saying the ministry worked closely with the National Police Service (NPS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to respond to the incidents.
According to the PS, the arrests followed investigations into cases of violence and destruction reported in schools during the term.
“As at 16th June 2026, a total of 462 learners have been arrested, investigated, arraigned in court, others were remanded, bonded, and others were given guidance and counselling, and many other aspects were provided across the country,” the PS told Members of Parliament.
Ololtuaa said the ministry documented the offences committed by the learners as part of efforts to understand the nature of the unrest and support investigations.
“It included arson, attempted arson, threats, possession of illicit materials, planning, and incitement, vandalism among others,” he said.
Several schools experienced unrest during the first part of the second term, with some incidents resulting in destruction of property and dormitories being set ablaze.
The committee also heard details surrounding one of the deadliest incidents during the period—the dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy on the night of May 28, 2026.
The fire claimed the lives of 16 students and left 79 others injured, prompting investigations that led to the arrest of nine students.
Court proceedings later followed, with eight students being charged with murder on July 1 after prosecutors said there was enough evidence to proceed with the case. One student was released after investigators found there was insufficient evidence linking her to the incident.
The eight accused students appeared before High Court judge Diana Kavedza, where they pleaded not guilty to the murder charges.
The briefing to Parliament comes as lawmakers continue to examine the causes of recurring school unrest and the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in learning institutions.
The Ministry of Education has maintained that it is working with security agencies and other stakeholders to address student violence while ensuring appropriate legal action is taken where offences are committed, alongside guidance and counselling for affected learners where necessary.