The Walter Sisulu University student protest over the distribution on NSFAS allowances took a violent turn on Thursday night when students blockaded streets in Southernwood with burning objects.
Some students were seen carrying beds and mattresses out of FourWings Residence in St James Street which they later set alight.
Students at the Buffalo City campus have been boycotting classes since last week Thursday.
On Wednesday afternoon the students sat a mass meeting where they agreed to embark on mass action in an attempt to bring their plight to the attention of the university management.
Earlier on Thursday, some students told DispatchLIVE of how they were struggling to make ends meet as they had received their allowances. Many said that they are hungry because they have not received their allowances.
On Friday morning Oxford street was closed to traffic after students continued their protest action and built fires to create barricades on the road.
Some East Londoners shared their thoughts about the protests on social media.
Police are monitoring the situation.
This is a developing story...