Violence erupts as students clash with police at Unizulu

POLICE are on high alert at the University of Zululand KwaDlangezwa campus as irate students went on the rampage, throwing stones and vandalising university property during violent rioting today.

The unrest began this morning after students reportedly sent a memorandum to management on Monday complaining about the lack of financial support and accommodation.

They also called for election of the Student Representative Council (SRC), and for dining halls to be opened for use.

When the chaos started, students were reportedly removed from the lecture hall by force.  Sources told the Zululand Observer that some students found secret locations within the institution to hide from the angry mob.

Police had to cordon off the area and parents were seen picking up their children as students went head-to-head with police throwing stones and ‘swearing’ at police officials.

Protesters destroyed some of the institution’s windows at the student residence, library and laboratories.

Some students said they feared for their lives and asked parents to fetch them.

‘I’m scared to go out, just in case they hit me’, said one student.

Empangeni SAPS spokesperson Capt Mbongeni said police from Mtunzini, KwaDlangezwa and Empangeni were deployed at the institution to keep the peace.

‘The situation is tense but we are monitoring it. Police will be deployed here until the matter has been resolved. The Public Order police will monitor the situation until things are back to normal. No arrests have been made’, said Mdlalose.