The 370 Technikon Witwatersrand students arrested during alleged illegal protests were given an option on Friday to each pay a R100 admission of guilt fine in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
The students have until November 14 to pay the fine, and those who do not will have to appear in the court on that day. The students were arrested in central Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Thousands of technikon students took to the streets on Tuesday and Wednesday to protest against the institution’s management apparently changing a hostel rule without consulting them. Students are no longer allowed to have visitors in their rooms in residence.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Chris Wilken said a large group of friends and family were waiting at the Johannesburg Central police station on Friday for the students to be released. – Sapa