Police have taken a student, who allegedly set fire to debris, including a tyre used to block a road, into custody.

The arrest followed a protest by students who blocked Hibernia Street, in George, at the entrance to South Cape College yesterday afternoon.

According to an article published by George Herald, it’s understood the student will be charged with public violence and will appear in court once formally charged.

“Be advised that a public violence case was opened following a student protest this morning at an institute of learning in George,” says SAPS Western Cape spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk.

“Approximately 60 students were involved about their National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) money. Police took action to disperse the crowd. They dispersed at 13:45. Public Order Policing will remain in the area to monitor the situation.”

Students who spoke to George Herald said they have been waiting for NSFAS funding to pay for accommodation, food and books since the beginning of the year. They said they are hungry and their landlords did not want to grant them any further extensions on outstanding rent.

Some said their parents are taking financial strain, as they had to take out loans to cover these expenses.

The students claimed the South Cape College refused to give them the necessary forms to fill in to obtain the NSFAS funding they are demanding. They also claimed no reason was given for refusing to give them the forms.

The college was approached for comment but had not yet responded at the time of publishing.

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