She said stones had been hurled at cars and traffic flow was deliberately blocked. A day before the arrest, a truck carrying a load of food was looted, state vehicles damaged and tyres burnt on the road during a protest. She condemned their behaviour.
Outside the court the students sang and danced while a strong police contingent watched.
The gates of the court were locked and security increased.
Also appearing in the Alice Magistrate’s court was a farm manager at the UFH’s agricultural research institute who was charged with pointing a firearm and crimen injuria.
Dirk Potgieter was not asked to plead and was released on a bail of R1,000.
Radebe postponed the matter to April 14 for further investigation.
According to court papers, Potgieter was involved in a stand-off with two trespassers at the 1,200ha piggery and dairy farm.
Shabby student protesters released on warning
Image: FILE
Eleven University of Fort Hare students charged with public violence and violation of the road traffic amendment act were all released on warning on Thursday.
Shortly after stepping outside the courtroom, the young men were received with loud cheers from more than 1,000 students picketing outside gates.
At least five of accused were wounded after sustaining rubber bullet wounds following Wednesday’s clashes with police. Alice magistrate Mbokazi Radebe postponed the matter to April 22 for further investigation.
“All accused are released on warning with the condition that they attend the case until it is finalised and you are not to commit similar offences while on warning,” said Radebe.
The students’ lawyer advocate Asanda Pakade said his clients had no previous convictions.
The state did not oppose their release on warning.
Death of UFH student weakens case against Boli murder-accused
Pakade told the court: “They need medical attention urgently, your worship. I ask this court to release them on warning because they are all students dependent on other people for money. They are not in any position to pay any money.”
Pakade said some were injured and arrested while they were taking showers. He pointed at one accused who appeared barefoot, wearing just shorts and T-shirt in front of the magistrate, saying: “Any more delay or further incarceration will be detriment to their health.”
The men are all aged between 18 and 29.
“The arrests followed after several attempts were made by the police to advise students to refrain from resorting to violent means to pursue their grievances. Instead, the angry protesters advanced towards the security at the gate in defiance of the order that they remain inside the campus,” Eastern Cape provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Liziwe Ntshinga said.
ANC councillor accused of raping Fort Hare student
She said stones had been hurled at cars and traffic flow was deliberately blocked. A day before the arrest, a truck carrying a load of food was looted, state vehicles damaged and tyres burnt on the road during a protest. She condemned their behaviour.
Outside the court the students sang and danced while a strong police contingent watched.
The gates of the court were locked and security increased.
Also appearing in the Alice Magistrate’s court was a farm manager at the UFH’s agricultural research institute who was charged with pointing a firearm and crimen injuria.
Dirk Potgieter was not asked to plead and was released on a bail of R1,000.
Radebe postponed the matter to April 14 for further investigation.
According to court papers, Potgieter was involved in a stand-off with two trespassers at the 1,200ha piggery and dairy farm.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos