The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) again suffered disruptions after protests resulted in damage to property and the arrest of students on Wednesday.
University spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said protest action on the Edgewood Campus turned violent when students pelted security personnel with stones.
“One student and five security personnel were injured in the fracas. The situation has been brought under control.”
He added the Pietermaritzburg campus experienced minor disruptions on Wednesday when a “small number of students attempted to disrupt classes”.
“University Risk Management Services (RMS) and police dispersed the protesting students and are continuing to monitor the situation. Approximately 18 students had gathered and the situation is being monitored.”
UKZN’s Westville Campus was alos hit by arsonists on Tuesday night, the university said.
“The Student Wellness Office was set alight. RMS were successful in extinguishing the blaze and five suspects were seen fleeing the scene. RMS pursued the suspects and apprehended two of them. They have been remanded to police custody,” Seshoka said.
Seshoka said protesters attempted unsuccessfully to disrupt an electrical engineering examination at the Students’ Union Building on Howard College on Wednesday.
“We urge all students to adhere to the university rules, regulations and applicable protocols in dealing with grievances.
“Students are reminded all those who engage in illegal activities or act outside of the set processes and procedures for raising grievances, will face the full might of the university’s disciplinary processes and where necessary, the law.”
University management were currently in discussions with student leadership regarding their grievances.
The university has experienced numerous disruptions in recent weeks, with students unhappy over several university policies.
Source: News24
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