Tshwane University of Technology students and structures gathered in significant numbers at the eMalahleni Campus this morning, embarking on a march against police brutality.

Their destination was Witbank SAPS where they intended to present a memorandum of demands, particularly calling for the arrest of police officers allegedly involved in the tragic death of engineering student, Thabelo Mbau (25).

However, the situation took a troubling turn as altercations erupted.

Some marchers reportedly threw stones at the police, provoking a volley of rubber bullets.

Update | The TUT Student eMalahleni Campus march to the Witbank Police Station ends as students turn violenthttps://t.co/oPLjvczfO5

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) March 12, 2024

Unfortunately, this resulted in some students being struck and then hospitalised.

The students presented a list of grievances, and among the demands that stood out was demanding the immediate arrest of all officers implicated in the tragedy.

Amid the chaos, SAPS officials did not have the opportunity to respond directly, but it was conveyed that the matter had been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate for investigation.

Update | Students picket outside Witbank Police Station amid the ongoing march to bring awareness to police brutality. This comes after the tragic death of Thabelo Mbau who died allegedly at the hands of police officers#witbanknews #Emalahleni #policebrutalityawareness pic.twitter.com/HTbkkNs2S6

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) March 12, 2024

Mbau had suffered a brutal assault allegedly by police officers at the Khayalethu Student Residence on Friday, March 8, before succumbing to his injuries later in the hospital on Saturday, March 9.

*The OR Tambo Road is closed near the campus and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes until the ongoing developments are resolved.

The students and community alike await further updates on the investigation and hope for a resolution that brings justice to Mbau’s tragic death.

Local news | TUT student killed in an alleged police brutality incident
Read more here:https://t.co/ak4H1qPg5X#TUTTragedy #Witbanknews #Saps #emalahleni

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) March 10, 2024

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