Police make 567 arrests

POLICE have arrested 567 persons in 265 cases relating to the student protests over fees at the country’s institutions of higher learning and training. SAPS acting National Commissioner General Kgomotso Phahlane said at a briefing in Pretoria on Monday the arrests were made from 1 February to date.

General Phahlane dismissed allegations the police are targeting student leaders to destabilise the #FeesMustFall initiative.

“This is untrue. The role of the police is to prevent, investigate and combat crime and to maintain stability. That is the role we are playing at universities across the country. Those who commit acts of criminality will be investigated and when sufficient evidence is obtained after a thorough investigation, arrests will be effected.”

General Phahlane also dismissed suggestions police have taken over operational control at some institutions. He said management and security remains the responsibility of the universities concerned.

The police work in this regard is guided by the Constitution.

“Police continue to take action to disperse students who are disrupting classes and targeting those who wish to study and write exams.”

Another area of concern for the police is what they termed the “disinformation campaign” were several allegations are made via social media such as that female students have been attacked, assaulted and randomly shot at in their residences by police.

“We have looked into these allegations and found absolutely no evidence to support them and police deployed there have vehemently denied such conduct. We therefore make an appeal that anyone who claims to have been treated in such a manner by the police should open a criminal case, provide witness names and/or evidence and allow the matter to be thoroughly investigated.”

General Phahlane reminded students to act responsibly during protests were legitimate concerns are raised.