Student cases struck off roll

THE cases of public violence against four students from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) have been struck off the roll.

The four made a brief appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday, said police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele.

On Tuesday, students at the university allegedly attacked security guards with stones and damaged administration offices.

The protesters stoned the guards, a security guard and an administration assistant sustained injuries. Four students were arrested and charged with public violence at the Berea Police station.

Mbele said the case was struck off the role pending further investigation.

She could not comment further because the docket was still in court.

“Both murder and public violence cases will now be transferred to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Headquarters organised crime unit,” she said.

The murder case relates to the death of DUT student Mlungisi Madonsela on Wednesday.

It is alleged that, during an altercation with a group of protesting students at the campus, a security guard fired shots at the students, resulting in Madonsela being hit. He died minutes later at City Hospital.

Alan Khan, the spokesperson for DUT, said management apologised to staff, students, parents and guardians for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure.

“University management is working tirelessly around the clock trying to resolve the current state of affairs at the institution,” he said.

He said the management team was set to meet the SRC yesterday to discuss the current situation and find a way forward.