WATCH: ‘Free Bonginkosi’, says Durban students
Over 200 students have gathered in Durban to call for the release of the #FeesMustFall leader.
THE #FreeBonginkosiKhanyile march is currently gaining momentum as protesters proceed from Curries Fountain to City Hall.
About 200 students, from the Mangosuthu, University of KwaZulu-Natal and Durban University of Technology (DUT) campuses, along with various religious leaders gathered at the hall from 8am, to ‘humbly request’ the release of the #FeesMustFall leader, Bonginkosi Khanyile.
While the protests are currently peaceful, a Berea Mail reporter who is on scene said police are maintaining a heavy presence. Traffic in the CBD is affected by the protests and motorists are urged to avoid the area.
More students from campuses in Pietermaritzburg are expected to join. The march is will end at 2pm today.
This is the reason they want Bonginkosi released:
Khanyile has been behind bars since last year. He was arrested on 27 September 2016 during the violent #FeesMustFall protests. The final year DUT public administration student and EFF representative has repeatedly been denied bail and his court case was postponed to February 28.
The 26-year-old faces charges of public violence, illegal gathering, trespassing, and inciting violence.
Students are now marching through the streets of Durban.
The situation remains peaceful and jovial as protesters gathered outside Curries Fountain.
Students are also having their say on Twitter:
#FreeBonginkosiKhanyile bonginkosi is in jail fighting for what we believe but criminals are walking free. 👊👊 this is injustice @ its best
— Furonda (@LuvaKomani) February 23, 2017
Bonginkosi Khanyile arrested for a free education struggle yet Makhura sleeps at home with 94 dead patients in his hands #Esidimenitragedy
— VusiKing (@vusiking) February 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/RedsyAli/status/835037218775445504
