WATCH: Wits students highlight police brutality through a night vigil

Wits students held a night vigil on the steps of The Great Hall to not only highlight police brutality but also to commemorate the death of Tshwane University of Technology (Tut) SRC president, Benjamin Pehla, who was hit by a car while he was protesting.

Students sat on the stairs and sang songs. Wits SRC secretary general, Fasiah Hassan, said they saw it fit to have a night vigil to highlight the police brutality that had marred student protests across the country.

“We are also opening up a case with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) and the Human Right Commission. We are also possibly looking at suing the [acting] police commissioner [Lieutenant-General Johannes Khomotso Phahlane],” she said.

Hassan also gave an update on Shaeera Kalla’s well-being, confirming that the student leader remained in hospital under the care of doctors at Milpark Hospital. Kalla was shot 13 times in the back by police who allegedly shot at her while her hands were up.

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“It is so sad that 22 years after democracy we are seeing the levels of police brutality that was only witnessed during the apartheid era,” she added.

A video has since emerged showing in detail how Kalla was shot by the police.

Hassan also gave an update on another student who is also still in hospital after she suffered an injury to her knee.

Watch the video here: 

Protesting students have organised a march to the Constitutional Court on 24 October.