27 arrests after Tuks clash

STUDENT leaders at the University of Pretoria have withdrawn from all talks over changes to the language policy, following violent clashes during which 27 students were arrested.

Instead, the EFF Student Command, which has been driving the campaign, said it was now demanding Afrikaans be entirely scrapped at the institution.

“Our struggle is now clear; Afrikaans must fall. We will not retreat or negotiate any more,” said EFF leader at the university, Kabelo Mahlobogwane.

Tuks suspended all academic activities at Hatfield and Groenkloof campuses on Thursday following violent clashes between members of the EFF and AfriForum Youth during a public meeting to discuss the language policy.

Other student movements were invited to the meeting, which had its roots in the call for English to be declared the single medium of instruction.

However, the situation escalated yesterday after the university enforced a court interdict preventing students from protesting within its boundaries.

A large group tried unsuc- cessfully to enter the Hatfield campus of the university and from there the students snaked to Lynwood Road and closed it off. Before long, a tyre was set alight.

Police attempted to douse the flames, but were met with missiles as the students made it clear they would not be stopped. Police retaliated by firing rubber bullets.

Police spokeswoman Sergeant Asnath Melatsi said at least 27 students were arrested and charged with public violence and malicious damage to property.

The university said it was not yet clear if academic activities would resume on Monday.

PICTURE: MASI LOSI IN CUSTODY: Police officers arrest a University of Pretoria student during a demonstration against the change of policy of the university and demands for scrapping of Afrikaans as medium of instruction.