Cape Town - Two officers were wounded and a 20-year-old student arrested for public violence in a volatile 36 hours at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) where students clashed with security and police over accommodation issues.
The institution is preparing to tally the financial impact and loss to infrastructure after fires and damage to property.
Police said they were forced to execute action against “riotous students” at the CPUT District Six Campus, just hours after students were filmed clashing with security guards in the parking area, which left one wounded on Sunday night.
Security guards were seen using shields and even chairs in response to the students.
A police water cannon was deployed on Monday afternoon and students claimed they were also tear gassed. Students set alight the administrative area of the university and stoned windows.
CPUT said students involved in the Sunday incident were intoxicated and upon further investigation, they reported presenting fake student identification and were not eligible to receive accommodation for various reasons.
Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg said police were injured during the protest by students and one person was apprehended.
“Public Order Police were forced to take action following a riotous situation at CPUT Cape Town earlier today (Monday).
“We can confirm that a 20-year-old male was arrested for public violence.
Two police members sustained injuries and received medical treatment. The situation is being monitored.
“The suspect will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates court once he has been charged.”
Following Sunday’s incident, CPUT spokesperson, Lauren Kansley said they were working on obtaining evidence and were in possession of video footage.
Kansley said the front door of the admin building at District Six was burnt along with windows that were stoned.
A student leader, who asked for their name to be withheld in fear of victimisation, said they had to flee from the police while attempting to speak with the Higher Education and Training (DHET) Ministry and had walked to Parliament.
“We wanted to speak with the Minister, we came from the parliament side and they were throwing tear gas at us,” she said.
“When we arrived at the campus, they threw another one at us at the campus gate.”
A video of the students being shot with what appeared to be rubber bullets and tear gas was shared with Cape Argus.
The student leader said one student was left with head injuries following Sunday’s incident and was hospitalised.
The chaos comes after the university’s Residence, Financial Aid secured accommodation for 410 people at their District Six campus and had placed students on buses to their respective residency. The number increased to 534 by on Monday.
“A violent group of applicants who have been squatting at our District Six campus demanding access to residences, have clashed with CPUT Campus Protection Services overnight,” she said.
“Security was forced to intervene after the group set fire to infrastructure, stoned windows and attacked campus security.
“In some cases it was clear that these individuals were intoxicated and security needed to restrain them for their own safety since they were a danger to both themselves and others.
“These clashes are extremely disheartening especially since our staff members worked through the weekend to place 534 students in residence. The clashes which took place are perpetrated by applicants who were not part of this group, and have been told that they do not qualify for residence.”
Kansley added numerous factors such as career students who have exceeded their years of study and no longer have NSFAS funding or those who were not progressing academically or had disciplinary issues, and lived within the 60km radius of campus, were deemed ineligible to have residency.
“Out of anger they then went on a rampage and attacked our buildings and staff last night. The placement of bona fide students is done with compassion and empathy since we understand the frustration and anxiety of not having a residence place.
“Despite these difficult conditions, our staff members continue to work directly with applicants with ‘pending’ statuses to try and find places for eligible students.
“The safety of our staff and students is a priority and we are working closely with SAPS to identify perpetrators and remove them from our campuses.”