Case against DUT students struck off the roll
Two guards have been suspended by the security company, pending the outcome of the company’s investigation.
THE case against DUT students who were arrested during the violent protests on the Steve Biko campus on Tuesday was struck off the Durban Magistrate’s court’s roll on Thursday.
According to Colonel Thembeka Mbele, KZN police spokesperson, the students, who had been charged with public violence, had appeared briefly in court before the case was struck off the roll pending further investigations.
ALSO READ: DUT student killed in protest action
The students allegedly stoned security security guards, injuring some staff and causing damage to the building as they clashed with campus security. A third year student, Mlungisi Madonsela was shot and killed during the skirmish as security guards tried to disperse the crowd of protesting students.
In a media statement released on Thursday, DUT managment said it was traumatised and saddened by the loss of a young life.
“We are also concerned about our staff members who were injured in the protest action on Tuesday afternoon. Two staff members and a few of students suffered serious injuries after being attacked during the protest action. A spouse of one of our colleagues was also attacked whilst he was trying to assist the injured on Tuesday afternoon. He had to receive medical treatment in hospital. We pray for their safe and speedy recovery.”
ALSO READ: Students threaten to shut down campuses
DUT management visited the Madonsela family to pay their respects and offered to assist the family with the funeral service for Mr Madonsela which will be held next week. A date has not yet been confirmed. “We will also plan a memorial service for Mr Madonsela on campus but we will need to engage with the family to seek their advice and approval and we will also consult with the SRC.” they said.
In the meantime, two security officers employed by a private security firm that is contracted to DUT were taken into questioning by police after the shooting on Tuesday afternoon.
“We understand that the investigation by the police is ongoing. We can confirm that the two guards have been suspended by the security company, pending the outcome of the company’s investigation. The university is also conducting its own investigation.”
Management said it was due to meet with the SRC today, Friday 8 February. It advised students who still needed to complete their 2019 registration to register online through teh DUT website https://www.dut.ac.za/student_portal/student_registration.
The university will remain closed until further notice.
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