Three hurt in Wits protest as students vow to intensify action
Protesting students at Wits University have dispersed following chaotic scenes outside the institution's Great Hall on Friday morning.
The protestors clashed with security personnel, pelting them with water bottles and rocks.
The university says three security officers were hurt and taken to the Campus Health and Wellness Centre.
Protestors also forced stores on Jorissen Street to close their doors, accusing the businesses of adding to the economic woes of students by charging them exorbitant fees for food and accommodation.
University spokesperson Shirona Patel says no one is currently being allowed onto the campuses.
A protesting student, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the protest will be intensified until their demands for financial support, and affordable education and accommodation, are met.
"Right now it's like, you know, the calm before the storm. Things are about to get worse. It's also gonna intensify over the weekend because right now, everybody is on board.
"The staff is on board, the students, and all the political parties.
"Initially, around Wednesday there was that drifty between ANC leaders and the EFF, but now everyone is coming together and it is intensifying," said the student.
Meanwhile, some students who were not part of the protest, said they feel unsafe.
The university has since beefed up security at all entrances with specific instructions to bar media.
Police have also maintained high visibility in the area.
The university has maintained students’ demands for more financial support are simply impossible to achieve.
WATCH: Marchers try to force the gate on Yale Road open. A stone’s thrown at security personnel who say they can’t allow marchers in because they can’t verify their identities, but students claim the biometric system at the gate has been disabled to deny them entry #WitsShutdown pic.twitter.com/BR58IAUYPz
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) March 3, 2023
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