Police officer injured in University of Mpumalanga protests

The protest action started last week after members of National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) marched to the university, disrupting final exams.

The union is demanding the removal of vice-chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, accusing her and other members of the management of corruption and mismanagement.

A scuffle broke out between protestors and the police while they were waiting for the department to respond to the memorandum of demands. 

ALSO READ: 'I believe Zuma fired me for refusing to do his bidding'

Police spokesperson Leonard Hlathi says officers had gone to the university in an attempt to quell the protests. 

"However, some individuals started pecking the stones at them.” 

He says the unnamed officer was hit on his upper body causing serious injuries and he is recovering in hospital.

Hlati says five people have been since arrested and charged with public violence.

The suspects are expected to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.