VIDEO: Rubber bullets shot at UKZN protesters
It is believed the shooting was sparked by a protester who threw a rock at police.
CHAOS has once again erupted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) as police have begun firing rubber bullets at the protesters. There have been reports that the police opened fire when one of the protesters threw a rock at the police at the Howard College campus.
Classes have since been suspended.
“The situation on some of the UKZN campuses has become untenable and unfortunately we have no choice but to suspend the academic programme,” said vice-chancellor and principal, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld.
Van Jaardveld condemned any students from engaging in destructive and illegal acts.
At the same time reports have come through of the burning of six vehicles at the Westville campus. UKZN is the biggest university in KwaZulu-Natal.
WARNING: Graphic Image.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Thulani Zwane said, the protesting students vandalised the centre management office using stones. They also blocked the road.
The protests have been motivated by the #FeesMustFall campaign. Last week protesters torched the cafeteria at the Howard College Campus.
Hundreds have taken to Twitter on the ongoing issue:
This girl was just shot, with an actual bullet.And then our vice chancellor has the audacity to say 'under control'💔 pic.twitter.com/LyOZWyz3ID
— yami (@yamkela__) September 6, 2016
We are not safe at Universities.
We are not safe at Universities.
We are not safe at Universities.
We are not safe at Universities.#UKZN— Martin M (@MartinM_rsa) September 6, 2016
The thing that's happening at #UKZN needs to be reported to IPID. How is @SAPoliceService using so much force?!
— Gugulethu Mhlungu (@GugsM) September 6, 2016
Protesting for better education & destroying university infrastructure in the process. This makes NO sense! 😱 #UKZN pic.twitter.com/lYr1q9OlKo
— Brent Janse van Vuuren (@BrentJvV) September 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/Qid_Marvelous/status/773135241770860546
The Sad Truth Is..Students Lives Don't Matter Anymore💔 #UKZN
— Baby thug face (@Iam_Yollz) September 6, 2016