"After speeches from student leaders," Nathaniel told me, wincing with pain, "we began singing songs and chanting slogans, denouncing the university vice-chancellor, Professor Levy Nyagura, and President Mugabe, who is chancellor of all the universities.

"Security officers entered the hall, and started beating students with batons. We fought back, throwing chairs and bottles at them. The fighting spilled out into the open - and then we heard the sound of teargas guns. The riot police had arrived.

"We ran for it, choking in the gas, trying to get to our residence at New Complex 4, but we found our way barred by a bunch of police. They had us trapped, and we all got beaten. I thought I could escape, but they unleashed two dogs, which soon had me on the floor.

"I passed out, and next thing I knew, I was here in this bed. They tell me I have broken a limb, and I think some of my ribs are broken too. I hurt all over."

By now Nathaniel is crying quietly. This is how it is for a young man in Zimbabwe who is just trying to get an education. All around him are fellow students with similar injuries - and in similar states of
despair.