Fiery protest shuts down Unizulu
During the riot, angry students torched a police vehicle and destroyed university property
VIOLENT student protests led to the shutdown of all operations at the University of Zululand (Unizulu) on Monday.
Students were ordered to vacate the institution after violence broke out at the KwaDlangezwa campus over several student issues, which included the rejection of the appointed Students’ Representative Council (SRC) administrator, the SRC’s budget for postgraduate studies and concerns over the safety of students living off campus.
During the riot, angry students torched a police vehicle and destroyed university property.
‘Owing to the acts of violence, which included threats to human life, harassment, intimidation and destruction of property by students, the university management decided to close the campus until further notice.
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‘It’s unfortunate that the instigators of the protest are individuals who have overstayed their welcome at the university.
‘It’s a pity that the majority of students who are focused on their studies have become victims of academic non-performers,’ said Unizulu in a statement on Monday afternoon.
The institution’s immediate closure saw students taking their frustrations to various platforms.
‘I think the university should start giving us allowances for transport. You can’t just order us to vacate the residences whenever you feel like it,’ said Sphamandla Mtshizane on Facebook.
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Scelo Gina echoed the same sentiment, saying students living inside campus should be provided with transport money.
Many students complained that the closure would affect their education and future.
According to the King Cetshwayo police cluster spokesperson, Capt Mbongeni Mdlalose, no injuries were reported during the protests and a case of malicious damage to property has been opened.
No arrests were made at the time of going to print and police were deployed to monitor the situation
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