Update:
Despite the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) closing all campuses indefinitely, there have still been disruptions on campus.
Also read: CPUT students struggle with student accommodation
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that law and public order police members were deployed on the outer perimeter of an institute of learning in Belhar.
Swartbooi went on to say that reports indicated that angry students attacked members, and the police members took action in a bid to disperse the unruly crowd.
‘At this stage no one sustained any injuries, and we can confirm that no suspects have been arrested,’ he said.
This came after CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley stated that they were not aware of any other student protests outside of the ones that occurred earlier this week and on Wednesday.
She added that police officers were stationed on the grounds of each institution to prevent potential harm.
Students refused to leave despite the university’s instructions to do so.
This is after CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley said that they were not aware of any other protest by students other than the one that took place on Wednesday and earlier this week.
She also said that there is a police presence on all the institutions’ properties in order to avoid any damages that may happen.
Students are currently refusing to vacate the student residences after the university ordered them to do so.
The university had previously declared that all operations, including academic ones, had been suspended immediately and that all residences had to be empty by Friday at 4pm.
According to previous statements made by CPUT, the problem is largely due to a new NSFAS funding requirement that any student enrolled in fewer than 60 course credits is no longer eligible for housing, living and transportation assistance.
The Student Representative Council, however, has also vowed to continue the protest and to apply for a march to Parliament and the NSFAS offices in order to meet with the Portfolio Committee of Higher Education and Training.
Also read:
Video: CPUT protests turn hostile, buildings set alight and private cars torched
Picture: CPUT / Facebook