They were ordered to disperse by heavily armed police officers who followed the unruly group back to the college where they planned to continue with the protest.

Last week, students affected by unpaid NSFAS study funds, wreaked havoc by overturning dustbins and setting foliage alight.

Police were ready since early this morning to avoid a repeat of last week’s vandalism.

A group of around 100 college students engaged with public order policemen who told them that they were not allowed to roam around while protesting.

They were ordered to return to the college where protests continued peacefully under the watchful eye of the SAPS.

Do you have a news lead?

Contact our editorial office on 013 243 1434 or our standby number for emergencies on 072 248 3855 to share your story with us. Follow us on the Middelburg Observer Facebook group or page or send a WhatsApp to 072 248 3855 with the words “add me” for the latest news.

Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online.

Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol.

A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).