20 students arrested in UKZN Westville protest

20 students arrested in UKZN Westville protest

Police have confirmed the arrest of 20 students today at UKZN's Westville campus.

UKZN protest
File photo

It follows a series of protests at three on the university's campuses yesterday.


The police's Thulani Zwane says six vehicles were torched at Westville during rioting last night.


"The students also became violent and got involved in the protest. As a result, they burned six cars and they damaged university property. Members of the police were also called to monitor the situation.


"A case of arson as well as malicious damage to property was opened at Westville Police for further investigation. Police are still monitoring the situation," he said.


UKZN SRC's Siphelele Nguse says students have been calling for a council meeting to discuss issues including fee increases and financial aid.


"Currently we are mobilising students to different parts to protest because we are going to shut down the institution up to a point where [management] comes to listen to us and they will need to hold a special meeting just to address our issues," he said.


Meanwhile, 13 students who were arrested at the Howard College campus are due to appear at the Durban Magistrate's Court today for contravening a court order and for public violence.


Show's Stories