Lockdown at Fort Hare before Zuma speaks

Police formed a security cordon around the University of Fort Hare's Alice campus yesterday ahead of the expected arrival of President Jacob Zuma and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Robert Mugabe.

The two presidents are scheduled to speak at the university's centenary celebrations today but protesting students have vowed to disrupt Zuma's speech.

Mugabe arrived in the country yesterday.

Event organiser Luthando Bara said: "We can confirm that President Mugabe is already in the country, and will be in Alice [today], along with several other dignitaries, including President Zuma, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, businessman Barney Pityana and Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini."

Mugabe is among the oldest surviving alumni of the prestigious university which, since its inception on February 8 1916, has drawn large numbers of students from across Africa.

The 92-year-old Mugabe is the only surviving former or current head of state to have attended Fort Hare. The event will also be attended by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairman of the African Union Commission.

But if protesting students have their way, there will be no celebrations today.

Yesterday they vented their anger on social media, saying Zuma was not welcome. He had failed to speak to students last year when supporters of the #FeesMustFall movement surrounded the Union Buildings in Pretoria and was, therefore, not welcome at Fort Hare, they said.

The Alice campus was in lockdown yesterday as police stood ready to curb threats of violence or vandalism.

On Wednesday night students vandalised university property and burnt a marquee that was to have been used during the celebrations.

Yesterday morning at least 30 police vehicles were patrolling the campus.

Deputy provincial police commissioner Major-General Andre Swart, briefing his officers, said: "There are areas where the events will take place. We will monitor those. No person will go there and damage property. We will deploy people to specific areas. Do not leave your area. Make sure you have enough people. If you do not make arrests when it's due, you will be in trouble," Swart cautioned.

By last night Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane were at Fort Hare.

Earlier, emotions ran high at the Alice Magistrate's Court, where 14 students arrested for violence on Wednesday were denied bail.

Three female students broke down when magistrate Brendon Vogel postponed the case, sending them back to jail for eight days to allow the state to gather information for their bail application.

SRC president Bulali Rawana said: "We are not happy with the fact that these students were not given bail and they will be in custody for about seven days. This week we are entering a study week because exams are starting."

Students arrested last year during #FeesMustFall protests and are out on bail appeared in court on Wednesday.

Late yesterday the university asked the Bhisho High Court to interdict students from disrupting university activities.