The South African Police Service has continued to monitor the situation at Rhodes University on Wednesday, after students blocked all the institution’s entrances.
Spokeswoman Brigadier Sally de Beer said there were over 200 students who blocked off all entrances to the campus and scattered medical syringes at the entrance situated at the corner of Prince Alfred and Somerset Streets.
Protests at various universities in South Africa, started after Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande announced that state universities could hike next year’s fees, but said it should be capped at eight percent.
“A short while later, the group removed a trailer from the premises, overturned it at the Artillery Road entrance and set it alight,” De Beer said.
The police, emergency services and the fire department removed blockages and put out the fire, she said.
She said a police forensics team examined the scene, and no arrests were made but police continued to monitor the situation.
Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane called for students to protest in a peaceful manner.
“We again call on students to exercise their right to protest in a peaceful manner without destruction of property or any form of violence. The SAPS will continue to monitor the situation countrywide and will take action to maintain stability, peace and the safety of lives and property.”
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