Five UKZN Students Arrested After Fighting During Protest

Five UKZN Students Arrested After Fighting During Protest. In a recent incident that has sparked significant attention, five students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg Campus were arrested following a violent protest.

The demonstration, which resulted in extensive property damage, has brought to light several grievances among the student body.

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The Incident Five UKZN Students Arrested After Fighting During Protest

Damage to University Property

On Thursday night, a group of disgruntled students allegedly set fire to university property and vandalized a gym located on the main campus. This gym, which was newly opened a few months ago, was part of the facilities intended to enhance student life. The protest also saw damage to staff quarters, adding to the extensive property destruction.

Arrests and Charges

Following the protest, five students were apprehended. They face charges of public violence, with the arrests being made after the students reportedly stoned police vehicles and fire brigades that were called to the scene.

Underlying Issues

Duly Performed (DP) Requirement

According to Khanyisani Mbhele, the secretary of the Student’s Representative Council (SRC), the primary concern driving the protest is the duly performed (DP) requirement. This requirement, which students must meet to sit for exams, has been a significant point of contention. The protesting students are demanding that the DP requirement be waived for all modules.

Data Provision Delays

Another critical issue is the delay in the provision of data to students. For over three weeks, students have been without the necessary data for their academic activities. Mbhele noted that university management is reportedly in discussions with service providers to resolve this issue.

University Response

Security and Disciplinary Measures

Normah Zondo, the executive director of corporate relations, highlighted that a group of about 30 protesters engaged in the destruction of property. She emphasized that the university has summoned the services of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the fire department to manage the situation.

The university is currently reviewing video footage to identify those involved and is set to implement disciplinary actions accordingly. Zondo reiterated that the university is committed to resolving student issues through dialogue with the SRC but maintains a strict stance against property destruction and violence.

Legal Proceedings

uMgungundlovu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Sifiso Gwala, confirmed that a case of arson has been opened at Alexandra Police Station. The arrested students are scheduled to appear in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Recurring Protests

This incident marks the second violent protest at UKZN within a month. The previous protest, which occurred last month, involved the setting of rubbish bins on fire and the vandalism of the campus’s risk management services (RMS) building and library.

Conclusion

The arrest of five UKZN students following a violent protest underscores the significant unrest and dissatisfaction within the student community. While the university management is taking steps to address these concerns, the recurring nature of these protests highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and resolution strategies.

The situation remains tense, with both sides needing to find common ground to prevent further escalation.