Violence erupts at UKZN, lectures suspended
Classes have been suspended until further notice at UKZN amid violent protests which erupted yesterday at the Howard College, Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses.
Last night, six vehicles were torched and property was damaged on the Westville campus.
In Pietermaritzburg, students barricaded roads with burning tyres from yesterday afternoon.
Today, 22 students were arrested at the Westville campus for public violence and contravening a court order.
The university's Lesiba Seshoka says the decision was taken out of concern for the safety of its students and staff.
"It will be in the best interest of the university - its academic staff, professional staff as well as the majority of the students to suspend the academic programme so that everyone is safe," he said.
Meanwhile, UKZN's Howard College students have started burning rubbish on campus.
Students allege police and university security guards smoked them out of their residences using tear gas just after lunch yesterday.
They also claim doors were kicked down by officers and guards before they stormed in and arrested some students.
These students say they also came under attack while minding their own business.
