Nomfundo Khumalo

Nine students have been arrested at the Durban University of Technology, following a violent student protest earlier today.

These students allegedly set alight the maintenance room and two security guard houses at Steve Biko campus.

In a statement released by the South African Police Service, a 27-year-old security guard who works at the institution was attacked by the students after they assaulted him, poured petrol on him, and attempted to set alight the security guard.

“He was rescued by his colleagues who witnessed the attack. He sustained severe injuries and was conveyed to the hospital for medical attention”.

The SAPS added that they managed to apprehend nine students aged between 20 and 30 and they will be charged for attempted murder, malicious damage to property and public violence.

The Provincial Commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula has condemned the violence displayed by students.

“We reiterate that no grievance can ever justify students breaking the law and endangering the lives of other citizens. We call on students to raise their grievances within the confines of the law,” he said.

The nine students including the EFFSC president are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrates Court.

An unnamed EFFSC member said they were on a night vigil strategizing when the security company started attacking them last night.

“As EFFSC we are extremely angry to the fact that the university undermines student’s leadership and students at large. It cannot be correct to say a student is lying in bed fighting for his life but what they do instead of taking people to account, they just suspend them,” he said.