By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
On Thursday morning, the Esayidi TVET campus in Kokstad was a scene of chaos as about 150 students took part in a violent protest in which chairs and dustbins were set alight and a vehicle physically overturned.
According to police spokesperson, Sergeant Mosa Hlaki, police were alerted to the protest at around 8am.
“The students refused to go into classes. Students blocked the gate, burnt chairs at the gate, physically overturned the campus vehicle on site, burnt dust bins inside the premises in front of the police. The police took videos and pictures,” said Hlaki.
The alleged cause of the protest was complaints regarding non-payment of accommodation funds by NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme).
Motorists were urged to avoid the area, however a group of students allegedly walked along Groom Street, throwing rocks at passing motorists.
“Port Shepstone POP arrived on scene. Stun grenades were used to disperse students. Some managed to jump over the fence. Most students, majority females were brought to the assembly area. The police used the recorded videos to identify and handpick the suspects,” said Hlaki.
A total of 12 students, eight men and four women aged between 20 and 25, were arrested and charged for public violence and malicious damage to property. The students were set to appear in court last Friday.
At the time of going to press, Esayidi TVET could not be reached for comment however facilitators and students have been advised to stay at home until directed to return to the campus.
- Students overturned a vehicle on campus during a protest last Thursday.
- Students burning chairs and dustbins during a protest last Thursday
