Students arrested for protests at WSU
Student protests at Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape turned violent on Monday afternoon, with police making 51 arrests.
Grievances are related to student residences, an issue which has cropped up at universities around the country since the start of the 2016 academic year.
Walter Sisulu University spokesperson, Yonela Tukwayo, said that at least 20 students were arrested for causing damage to private property, specifically motor vehicles, at the East London Health Resource Centre and at the Advancement Office in Berea.
Tukwayo said just over 100 students disrupted a meeting between representatives from the university’s Institutional Management Committee and the SRC Executive Committee.
“Students forced their way into the university’s advancement office, demanding audience from the Interim Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Khaya Mfenyana, to address amongst others, residence-related issues. However, this group of students had not made any prior formal submission of grievances, nor was there any memorandum of grievances,” said Tukwayo.
She said chaos ensued when a group started throwing rocks outside the building. The group broke windows while more students forced their way into the office, causing damage to university property and equipment.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku, confirmed 51 arrests on Monday afternoon and said students were being detained at Cambridge police station in East London.
“I can confirm 51 students from Walter Sisulu University are being detained on charges of public violence, malicious damage to property and unlawful gathering,” said Mzuku.