Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University protesters cause chaos, clash with the police

PORT ELIZABETH: Chaos erupted yesterday when hundreds of protesting students from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University took the fight for free tertiary education to the streets in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, marching all the way to the Boardwalk Casino and Hotel.

Students initially agreed to be escorted by police to the university’s 2nd Avenue campus.

Chaos later erupted when students blocked off the road by sitting in the streets with some attempting to enter the Boardwalk entertainment premises.The students refused to back down and stoned police officials who barred access.

Public Order Police fired stun grenades and used shields to divert angry students.

Police spokesperson colonel Priscilla Naidu confirmed eight students were arrested on charges relating to public violence, the national road traffic act and for obstructing police officials. The students, five females and three men, were taken to Humewood Police Station and are expected to appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court soon.

Earlier in the day hundreds of students wearing South African Students Congress, EFF, DA and ANC t-shirts gathered outside the university’s South Campus The Kraal and waited for university management while singing struggle songs.

The university has been on a shut down since Tuesday and lectures will continue to be suspended on Thursday.

Student Representative Council president Nicholas Nyati, who addressed students at The Kraal yesterday, said the protest was meant to create awareness surrounding their fight for free education for the poor.By early evening students gathered outside the Humewood Police Station in support of the students who had been arrested.