Situation at UKZN campuses under control
More arrests of students were made at UKZN.
IN the early hours of Thursday, 1 October, two students were apprehended by Risk Management Services (RMS) in the commerce department carpark on the UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus for being in possession of a bag containing faeces.
The incident was reported to SAPS and lectures continued.
Academic activities commenced on all campuses of the University of KwaZulu-Natal from Monday, 28 September.
“Every effort is being made to ensure the continuation of the academic programme,” said Lesiba Seshoka, executive director of the corporate relations division at the university.
University management has initiated Rule 14 applications to those students found responsible for transgressions of the student code of conduct. Rule 14 of the student code of conduct includes, inter alia, the suspension of students.
“The university has received reports that students at the Dunstaple Heights residence on Varsity Drive have been locked in the building by protesting students,” said Seshoka.
RMS attempted to cut the locks but were pelted with stones and bottles. Public order police have been summoned.
“There was an attempt to disrupt tests and lectures this morning, but the situation has been brought under control,” said Seshoka.
It has been reported that a 23-year-old student handed himself over to the police in Durban on Tuesday and would appear in court soon for public violence.
This follows the arrest of Westville SRC president, Lukhanyo Mtshengu, and former student, Lwazi Magwaza.
University Management are currently in discussion with the student leadership regarding their grievances.
SRC secretary general, Ngcebo Mazibuko, had said they will refrain from any engagement with management until Mtshengu and Magwaza are released.
“The management of the University of KwaZulu-Natal deplores all forms of racism and discrimination, and condemns in the strongest possible terms the offensive comments made on social media in relation to the student protest action experienced on the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses earlier this month.
“The university management respects the individuals’ right to freedom of speech as enshrined in the South African constitution, and cautions all staff and students to refrain from making any racist comments,” Seshoka said.
“The university is monitoring these pages and disciplinary action will be taken against those individuals, as well as any other staff and students, that are found to be responsible for perpetuating the virulent statements.”
No students were arrested at the Edgewood campus on Tuesday.
