Cape Argus

CPUT shut after protesters attack campus security

- Naledi Mohono

CAPE Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) closed its campus yesterday morning following protest action and security concerns.

“Much of the tension is linked to four student leaders who were suspended and are now no longer allowed on any CPUT campus. The suspension comes after their alleged continued involvemen­t in campus disruption­s. The decision to suspend these students was taken after several attempts at reconcilia­tion from the university management were snubbed,” said the acting vice-chancellor, Dr Chris Nhlapo, in a statement on the CPUT Facebook page.

“I was suspended for participat­ing in the council meeting, I was attempting to resolve the issue between management and students. All I wanted to do was lead negotiatio­ns, and that was regarded as disruption,” said one of the suspended student leaders, Lukhanyo Vangqa.

There were altercatio­ns between students and the police, which forced the police to fire stun grenades and rubber bullets.

One private security member was injured by students and rushed to hospital.

Later, the CPUT students moved to the City of Cape Town Library, where they forced people to vacate the building.

Mphatheli Dyakopa, a Cape Town resident, was doing research in the library when he heard a commotion and was immediatel­y asked to leave the library.

“CPUT students came into the library and announced that all CPUT students must leave the library immediatel­y.

“They started dragging other people out of the library. One of the guys took a fire extinguish­er and opened it in the library,” Dyakopa said.

 ?? PICTURE: CINDY WAXA ?? INJURED: A CPUT security guard was attacked by students during the protest.
PICTURE: CINDY WAXA INJURED: A CPUT security guard was attacked by students during the protest.

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