Johannesburg – Lectures at the University of KwaZulu-Natal were suspended on Thursday after at least three people were injured when protesters and police clashed on the Westville campus in Durban, the university said.
“The Westville campus in particular was not accessible to university staff as well as students who reside outside campus,” spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said in a statement.
“The executive management committee deliberated on the situation this morning [Thursday] and took a decision to suspend the academic programme on all campuses for Thursday and Friday this week.”
The academic programme would resume on Monday.
A police officer and two students were injured on Thursday morning.
“We can confirm that a police officer was injured when he was hit with a stone by the protesters at UKZN Westville campus,” police spokesperson Captain Thulani Zwane said.
No fire-related injuries
Zwane said he was unsure of the officer’s condition.
KwaZulu-Natal emergency services spokesperson Robert Mckenzie said paramedics treated people with moderate injuries.
“A third patient was transported privately from the scene before paramedics arrived… and they were not able to confirm this person’s injuries or condition.”
Mckenzie said no injuries caused by fires on the campus were reported and most of the fires had been extinguished.
“The police and paramedics are still standing by on the scene,” he said.
Seshoka said there had been “serious violent protests” at the Westville, Howard, Edgewood, and Pietermaritzburg campuses on Thursday morning.
“The university regrets the inconvenience caused and apologises to all students whose commitments have been interrupted by the unfortunate activities of a handful of disruptive elements,” he said.
“The SA Police Service and the university’s risk management services are keeping an eye on the situation. Discussions with students are ongoing.”
Water cannon
On Tuesday, police used a water cannon against protesting students at the Westville campus.
At the time Seshoka said about 200 students embarked on illegal protests on the campus, disrupted lectures, and damaged property. A number of cars were stoned and some facilities set alight.
“It is of grave concern that a small group of students is continuing to embark on illegal, destructive and violent protest action,” he said.
“Management condemns the destruction to property and the threats and intimidation of both students and staff.”
Seshoka said the university obtained a high court order protecting the university against “unlawful protests, disruptive gatherings, demonstrations, mass action, intimidation or any violent act to persons or property at the entrance and premises” of the university.
He said offenders would be charged for contempt of court and the university would not withdraw any charges.
In a memorandum, students said financial aid, the draft loans and bursary policy, and funding for postgraduate students, were reasons to protest.
– SAPA
The Guardian 