Staff keep calm as rioters hit Rhodes
RHODES University students protesting for free education disrupted an examination, smashed windows and upended cars before police used stun grenades and rubber bullets to quell the disturbances.
University spokesperson Catherine Deiner said there were extensive disruptions caused by rioters at the institution on Monday.
In a statement yesterday she said protesters attempted to enter the Barrat Lecture Complex with the apparent intention of disrupting a test. Glass doors to the complex were broken in the process. “The protesters then moved to the library, where more glass was broken, before progressing to the upper campus where stones and rocks were thrown at windows and entrances,” said Deiner.
“Extensive damage also occurred in the Biko Building, site of the offices of the Division of Student Affairs and the SRC.
“Three university service vehicles were overturned at the rear of the building.”
She said members of the Public Order Policing Unit used stun grenades, rubber bullets and teargas to quell the disturbances.
“A number of arrests were made during the course of the evening,” said Deiner, who added that protest action eventually ceased in the early hours of yesterday.
“Service staff were busy in all affected lecture venues early this morning (yesterday) to clean and remove broken glass. “All venues are now ready to be used,” said Deiner. “We are extremely grateful to staff who continue to support us in keeping the academic programme running. The contribution of wardens and other staff who worked throughout the disruptions to calm their students is noted in particular.”
The academic programme will continue.