Vehicles set alight at CPUT, 5 arrested

A SHUTTLE and another vehicle were set alight at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Cape Town campus, forcing a suspension of services, management said yesterday.

Five students were arrested for their alleged involvement.

“Five men aged between 20 and 31 years have been arrested after a university shuttle and another vehicle were allegedly set alight at 8.30am in Tennant Street, Cape Town. An arson docket has been registered and circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated. The suspects are due to appear at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court once charged,” said police spokesperson Sinathi Joni.

Two weeks ago, activities at the university’s campuses were suspended indefinitely after protesting students went on the rampage, disrupting exams. Arson attacks and clashes with police and security guards took place.

CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley said:”The campus bus service has been suspended until further notice due to the most recent attack.”

At the Bellville campus guards continued raiding residences. Concerned workers and lecturers delivered a memorandum to the acting vice-chancellor with more than 1 400 signatures, demanding the removal of private security guards, and peace on campuses.

They said they did not know what was going on at CPUT and their only information was newsflashes, as they had been instructed by the VC not to attend or be part of that meeting.

Meanwhile, University of Cape Town spokesperson Elijah Moholola said: “A small group of students attempted to disrupt classes on upper campus yesterday. The library was closed but will reopen shortly. Academic activities proceeded as scheduled.”

UCT SRC secretary-general Sinawo Thambo said the group attempting to disrupt classes had heard of a pending fee increment by the university. “The biggest problem is universities are announcing increments outside of the release of the Fees Commision Report,” Thambo said.