Nine protesting students at the University of the Witwatersrand were arrested on Wednesday as a group of about 3 000 angry students ringed by riot policemen gathered at the institution.
Policeman spokesperson Inspector Amanda Roestoff confirmed the students were arrested after a case of public violence was opened by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Loyiso Nongxa.
She said a group of students have allegedly disrupted classes between 8am and 10am and assaulted three students inside the classrooms.
Roestoff also said a police barricade was moved back by 20 metres after discussions were held between the senior police officers and the students representative council (SRC).
SRC president Philemon Lukhele was pleading for the students’ immediate release.
Lectures on the east campus have been cancelled as students went into a fifth day of protesting slashing of student financial aid by up to 50%.
The students were singing struggle songs, toyi-toying and holding up placards.
Lukhele said: ”We appreciate the university’s financial position… but we are convinced the university is not prepared to change with us.”
Lukhele said they wanted Wits to withdraw the letters sent to students last Thursday informing them financial aid would be cut by up to 50%.
The SRC has raised R400 000 towards aid and ”expects the university to follow suit”.
”If the university withdraws the letters and commits itself to fund-raising and negotiations, we will stop demonstrating,” Lukhele said.
At noon the protest was peaceful. Police helicopters were circling the campus as students had earlier tried to push back the barrier of policemen toting guns.
”Police continue to monitor the situation. If any incidents of further public violence or criminal activities are reported, sufficient police are deployed and ready to act in order to restore peace on the campus,” said Roestoff.
A private security firm has been hired to protect students and staff who wished to continue with lectures. – Sapa