University closed in wake of shooting

ANCYL in KZN calls for restraint, caution

THE Durban University of Technology has cancelled classes and will remain closed until further notice following the death of a student at the Steve Biko campus yesterday.

Police say they are investigating the death of the student, who was killed during a skirmish with private security guards. He was apparently shot in the abdomen. Detectives from Berea police station spent much of yesterday afternoon gathering evidence at the campus.

While the name of the student was not officially released, the EFF Student Command (EFFSC) claimed he was a member, and his name was broadcast on social media.

Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said the student was part of a group of protesters. She said the group allegedly threw stones at university staff, seriously injuring one person.

In a statement yesterday, the university said: “The Durban University of Technology is saddened by the events of (Tuesday) afternoon (and) sends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of the student.

“As a result of this tragic incident and many other violent altercations, the university management has decided to close the university until further notice.”

The university was quiet this morning when a team from the Daily News visited. Only a few students were seen milling around, with the majority heeding calls to stay at home. Members of the police’s Public Order Police had gathered at Currie’s Fountain in anticipation of any further incidents.

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in KwaZulu-Natal has called for restraint in the wake of the shooting. Hundreds of students took to the streets last night, marching through Durban’s central business district singing Struggle songs.

“We want everyone to exercise restraint and caution,” said chairperson of the ANCYL in KwaZulu-Natal, Kwazi Mshengu. He was speaking at the Steve Biko campus last night. “We also want to call upon the authorities of the institution to ensure they will resolve these impasses.”

According to police, about 30 students armed with stones, rocks and bricks stormed a DUT administration block on Ritson Road when the shooting occurred. A security guard and a female administration assistant were injured.

Four students were arrested for public violence, said police.

In a statement posted on Twitter earlier in the evening, the EFFSC called on all universities and colleges to shut down today in support of free registration and free education and in solidarity with the DUT students.

The shooting follows unrest at several tertiary education institutions in Durban on Monday. Vehicles were torched at UKZN’s Westville and Howard College campuses. A guard hut was set alight at the Westville campus.

Students were protesting against funding delays, a lack of accommodation and delayed registration processes.