VANDERBIJLPARK. – On Wednesday, February 27, chaos erupted at North West University’s entrance as students protested over issues concerning the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Amidst the turmoil, two students were reportedly run over by a fellow student.
Sources reveal that as the protest commenced, Public Order Police were summoned to quell the unrest. However, tensions escalated when law enforcement resorted to firing upon the crowd. In the midst of this confrontation, two students were struck by a vehicle, purportedly attempting to navigate through the commotion.
Subsequent to the incident, a group of students confronted the female driver, engaging in chants, songs, and verbal abuse directed at her. The aftermath of the event flooded social media platforms, depicting security personnel alongside two unidentified individuals, shielding a distressed female student from the surrounding crowd’s reproach.
In an official statement released on the institution’s website, attributed to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, emphasis was placed on condemning the student demonstrations.
“We are satisfied with the progress made during these meetings and will continue to involve other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the unfortunate incident does not recur,” stated Prof Tyobeka, referencing discussions held with stakeholders in response to the unrest. The statement further reiterated the university’s stance on the NSFAS evaluation processes and warned of severe consequences for those involved in the disruptions. Despite the presence of law enforcement at the scene, it has been reported that no formal case has been opened. Efforts to obtain comments from Gauteng provincial police spokesman Colonel Mavela Masondo remained unanswered at the time of this report.