Zimbabwean students studying in India have expressed deep concern for their safety following a series of violent incidents that have left members of their community injured and traumatized.
The most recent case involves Leeroy Ziweya, a 22-year-old Radiology student at Gurukashi University in Punjab, who was reportedly attacked on August 13 by a group of men armed with bats, sticks, and other weapons. Leeroy sustained critical head injuries and is currently battling for his life.
The attack has sparked outrage among fellow students, who say international learners should not have to live in fear while pursuing education abroad. “No student should be unsafe on campus. No international student should suffer violence while far from home,” students said in a widely circulated statement demanding justice and protection.
This incident comes just weeks after another tragedy. In July 2025, Zimbabwean students at Talwandi Sabo in India mourned the loss of a fellow countryman, Tashinga, who died in a hit-and-run accident. While still grieving his death, the community says they were shocked by yet another violent assault — this time at the hands of a school guard and his associates, who allegedly attacked a student known for his good conduct.
According to students, neither the school authorities nor the police have taken meaningful action in response.
A message circulated among Zimbabwean student groups paints a grim picture: “We are no longer safe here. Last year it was disaster in Delhi when the police were killing Nigerians. Now they are after Zimbabweans. Our embassy is just quiet while we perish. We need justice.” The statement reflects a growing sense of abandonment felt by African students in India.
Student groups have since mobilized online campaigns under hashtags such as #JusticeForLeeroy, #JusticeForTashinga, #StopCampusViolence, and #StudentsDeserveSafety. These campaigns demand accountability from Indian authorities and stronger intervention from the Zimbabwean government and its embassy in New Delhi.
Zimbabwean students say the silence from officials is worsening their fears. “As Zimbabweans and Africans at large we demand justice. We are not safe,” another statement reads. With increasing reports of targeted violence, many now question whether their host institutions are doing enough to guarantee their safety and wellbeing.
