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Rubber bullets fly as TUT students and structures confront police during a march

TUT students’ march gets rowdy as they demand justice.

March 12, 2024
Simangele Khoza 2 minutes read
Emotions ran high among the students, who expressed anger and frustration over the situation, demanding justice for Thabelo Mbau.

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.

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.

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.

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March 12, 2024
Simangele Khoza 2 minutes read
 
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