AfriForum neighbourhood watches help evacuate UFS students from hostels

24 February 2016 - 22:06 By TMG Digital
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AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches had evacuated about 80 students from the campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) on Tuesday‚ the civil rights organisation disclosed on Wednesday.

This was after the students had been trapped in various hostels by protesters‚ it said.

“Students informed AfriForum Youth’s Kovsies branch that they have received various threats from protesters outside the hostels. One of these threats warned: ‘Make sure that you do not leave the hostel on your own‚ as you will get hurt.’

“We simply could not ignore the students’ cry for help. We therefore contacted the neighbourhood watch‚” said Chantelle du Preez‚ Chairperson of AfriForum Youth’s Kovsies branch.

Pieta Myburg‚ Chairman of AfriForum’s Fichardt Park neighbourhood watch‚ said it had been a privilege to be able to help the students.

“AfriForum Youth warns students who still reside on campus to rather leave the campus for security reasons‚ especially since the University will remain closed until Monday.”

The University of the Free State announced on Wednesday that it has extended the suspension of classes to Monday while it tries to resolve issues with protesters.

"The situation on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State is calm this morning and no incidents occurred overnight‚" the university said in a statement. "The campus is secure and members of the South African Police Service and the university's Protection Services are present."

Despite this‚ the Bloemfontein and South Campuses will remain closed.

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