Tensions are high at Wits University as the #FeesMustFall protest enters its second day.
Fifteen students who were trying to block the universities four main entrances were arrested this morning following a skirmish with police.
@NewsNMT #FeesMustFall2016 @WitsSRC speak to police who seem ready to strike at any moment. Tensions high pic.twitter.com/Yzax0LvCmG
— Gaahele M (@Treaka) September 20, 2016
This comes after Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande announced an up to eight per cent fees increment yesterday.
@NewsNMT @Wits students continue to fight for Free Education. #FeesMustFall2016 pic.twitter.com/SS7t8MvJ1z
— Gaahele M (@Treaka) September 20, 2016
Wits SRC leaders are currently in negotiation talks with university management.
Wits University sent out a statement late last night saying that management wanted lectures to continue and have called upon the police to protect non-protesting students, staff as well as Wits property.
“Our priority, it must be remembered, is to keep the academic programme intact… We have beefed up security even further and have finalised protocols with the police to ensure that safety and security is in place at Wits. Security at lecture venues, laboratories and libraries has been strengthened.” read the statement.
However, disgruntled, protesting students have disrupted all lectures this morning.
@NewsNMT Wits students congregate and once more pull students out of class despite a heavy police presence pic.twitter.com/lGDyjitH4r
— Gaahele M (@Treaka) September 20, 2016
Students are marching to the education campus while police attempt to prevent the march.
@NewsNMT Police shooting back stun grenades been thrown students running everywhere pic.twitter.com/HLlLmNJ5h4
— Gaahele M (@Treaka) September 20, 2016
This is a developing story, we will keep you updated as information becomes available.
Related articles:
Wits students plan a campus shutdown
UPDATE: Gates at Wits open as #FeesMustFall protest continues
