University of the Free State shuts campuses amid student demonstrations

The executive management committee of the University of the Free State (UFS) has decided to close all three of its campuses – Bloemfontein, South and Qwaqwa – following demonstrations that turned violent on the Qwaqwa Campus last night.

Bloemfontein Courant reports a post on the university’s social media platforms reads:

“In the interest of the safety of staff and students at the University of the Free State (UFS), the executive management assessed the current situation on the three campuses and made the following resolutions – effective from October 14:

The Qwaqwa Campus is closed with immediate effect, and students are requested to leave the campus within the next 24 hours.

The executive management committee extends an invitation to the student representative councils (SRC) of all three campuses for further engagement.

On the Bloemfontein and South Campuses, all lectures are suspended until further notice, however, only limited movement will be allowed on campus from 19:00 until 07:00.”

Students appear in court

Six UFS students made a brief appearance before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court at 14:00 yesterday following their arrest over the weekend.

According to Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Col Thabo Covane, the students face charges of malicious damage to property.

UFS Bloemfontein Campus SRC president Ogorogile Moleme, who was present at court, told Bloemfontein Courant that the accused were released on warning.

“The only condition is that they cannot reside on campus, so we will find alternative accommodation for them off-campus.”

The students are expected to appear in court again on November 4.

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