Students held after campus torched
THE senate chamber building and six cars were burned at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville campus late last night, capping a day of rioting and intimidation at other campuses which led to the arrest of 16 students.
Thirteen were expected to appear in court today after lectures were disrupted at the Howard College campus. Three were released.
Police today confirmed that students were involved in an illegal protest at the Westville campus, at about 11pm.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane, said: “Buildings were vandalised and six cars were burnt. Police were called to monitor the situation.”
He said 20 students were taken in for questioning.
Metro police and private security guards were on high alert today, carrying batons and shot guns with rubber bullets at hot spots on the Westville campus.
University spokesman Lesiba Seshoka said the senate building was torched last night as well as six vehicles. He said police had made arrests this morning but could not confirm how many.
Three of the vehicles had been tipped on to their sides.
ANA quoted sources at the university, who said three of the burnt cars belonged to the institution, while the others were owned by two security companies.
The building has been set alight before during similar protests by students.
The area around UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus was yesterday declared a “no-go zone” by police, as students burned campus vending machines, tyres and branches in King Edward Avenue, Alan Paton Drive and Ridge Road.
In Pietermaritzburg, protesters stoned passing motorists and police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the students.
There was pandemonium at the nearby Scottsville Checkers supermarket complex as students tried to flee police.
The Howard College students were set to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on charges of public violence.
They were nabbed by the police and private security after students were forced out of class just before lunchtime yesterday.
University property was destroyed and vehicles stoned.
Police spokeswoman, Captain Nqobile Gwala, confirmed that protesting students were arrested and charged with pub- lic violence and for contravening a court order prohibiting violent protests. They are aged between 17 and 20.
She confirmed that university property had been damaged during the protests.
In Pietermaritzburg, classes were also interrupted by protesting students who threatened and dragged their fellow students out of lecture halls, intimidating them into joining the protest.
A large group of students brandishing weapons including sticks, pipes and bricks were also seen marching on the streets near the campus.
According to unconfirmed reports by emergency services on the scene, several stu- dents and fire officials had to be treated for smoke inhalation because of the fires started on the streets.
Students, who were not part of the protests, complained bitterly about the violence.
“We are all suffering as a result of their actions.
“We are all being painted with the same brush and not getting on with our studies because of these students who insist on behaving violently. It feels like this is never going to end,” said one third-year commerce student.
Rumours
The protests appear to have been sparked by rumours of an imminent announcement of a fee hike. Students are fighting for a repeat of last year’s 0% increase.
But universities have said they cannot afford another year without an increase.
Department of Higher Education spokesman, Khaye Nkwanyana, could not be reached for comment last night.
Seshoka, confirmed the protests had disrupted classes at the Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses.
“Students on the Howard College campus disrupted lectures, stoned vehicles and caused damage to some university property, while on the Pietermaritzburg campus students caused disruption at some lecture venues and on a public road close by,” he said.
Seshoka said the university’s internal risk management services, police and private security managed to disperse protesters.
“Students are urged to follow established protocols and raise any issue of concern with their respective SRC representatives.
“The university is committed to engaging with students to address their grievances,” said Seshoka.
He warned students that the university had obtained an interdict against “unlawful protests”.
“UKZN has a high court interdict in place protecting the university against unlawful protests, disruptive gatherings, demonstrations, mass action, intimidation or any violent act to persons or property at the entrance and premises of university campuses.
“Security has been beefed up on all campuses and every effort is being made in ensuring that the academic programme proceeds as scheduled with no further interruptions,” he said.
UKZN SRC president, Senzo Ngidi, did not return calls and SMSes sent to his cellphone.