Twelve University of Fort Hare were arrested for vandalism at the University’s Alice campus on Friday, police have confirmed.
EFF student command chairperson and Fort Hare student Bandile Noguda said the protests turned violent after management failed to address student grievances, including the distribution of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances this week.
“Students had a meeting at 10am and after that it was agreed that the strike must be fully blown because management has been arrogant. We submitted a memorandum to them on Monday and never received a formal response. Besides that, they are aware of our grievances.”
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni said the 12 suspects were arrested for acts of violence including stoning of private and police vehicles.
“Public Order Police were deployed to quell the violence, open the illegal blockade and disperse the violent attackers. The situation has since returned to normal and police continue to monitor the situation.”
He said the suspects, six males and six females aged between 20 and 32, were charged with public violence and were due to appear at the Alice Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
University spokesperson Lizo Phiti and Alice campus SRC premier Life Mabaso were not available for comment at the time of writing...