Two arrests after fires set at Wits‚ while protesters torch bakkie at UCT

14 October 2016 - 11:53 By TMG Digital

A Toyota Hilux double cab which was used by students and researchers was destroyed by fire on Friday outside the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Geological Sciences Department. The arson attack occurred at 3am‚ UCT said‚ adding that members of Campus Protection Services “were able to extinguish the fire so that it did not spread to neighbouring vehicles or UCT buildings”.“Members of the fire and rescue services and the SA Police Service (SAPS) were called to the scene. A 500ml glass bottle that smelt of petrol and was filled with sand was found at the scene and has been handed to SAPS.”The University of the Witwatersrand said its “campuses are already being cleaned and classes will resume” on Friday after protesters set fires near a number of buildings overnight.[WATCH] .@AdHabb: Management remains completely committed to engagement and meeting with student leaders pic.twitter.com/QF1Arf6xkk— Wits_News (@Wits_News) October 13, 2016async“The fires were all extinguished quickly‚” the university said via Twitter on Friday morning‚ adding that “some buildings were flooded as protesting students left the taps open”.“A group of protesting students used stones to break several windows and damaged several buildings overnight‚” @WitsUniversity tweeted.Two students were taken into custody‚ as protests continued after “mediators informed Wits management that the student leaders will not be attending” a planned meeting “in good faith to charter a way forward that is beneficial to all”‚ according to a statement on the university’s website.On Thursday‚ protesters had used “fire crackers to alarm and disperse students in the Matrix Student Centre”‚ and there were “reports of stink bombs being used to disrupt lectures in some classes” on the Braamfontein campus.The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) vowed that academic activities would continue on Friday‚ with a warning “to all protesters participating in the protests” that “an urgent application for an interdict to stop unlawful protests and damage to property will be made”.This came after disruptions were experienced at its Pretoria‚ Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve campuses when protesters clashed with students attending classes on Thursday.A private security guarded reportedly let off a round of live ammunition during the chaos‚ hitting a student.TUT said in a statement that “the situation was managed and contained and minimal damage to property was sustained”.“TUT has resolved to assist our students to successfully complete this academic year. It is therefore in the interest of the university and our students to continue with operations‚” it added.“In view of the safety of our staff and students‚ security measures will remain reinforced at all the university’s campuses.”..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.