An urgent interim interdict has been granted against members of the Sol Plaatje University SRC and unidentified persons who participated in protest action this week during which roads near the campuses and student residences were obstructed with burning material and rocks.
AN URGENT interim interdict has been granted against members of the student representative council (SRC) of Sol Plaatje University and unidentified persons who participated in protest action this week during which roads near the campuses and student residences were obstructed with burning material and rocks.
Online learning and teaching was utilised due to safety concerns as a result of the disruptions, which saw incidents of stone throwing and traffic disruptions.
Students believe that the police exerted undue force to arrest some students and fired shots at them at the campuses and residences.
Seven students between the ages of 19 and 27 were arrested for public violence on August 8.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane stated that five men and two women were arrested and were expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Students explained that the protest was motivated by a large number of students who were struggling to survive after their funding was withdrawn by the National Student Funding Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
“Students have been forcibly evicted as they have not been able to pay their landlords and cannot afford basic necessities, including food, as they did not receive any allowances from NSFAS this month. We urgently seek intervention as our campus is experiencing instances of police shootings and student arrests.”
They added that the suspension of SRC leaders has left them without any support.
Judge Mpho Mamosebo, who granted the application in the Northern Cape High Court chambers on August 8, prohibited the barricading or obstruction of entrances and exits of buildings of the university or any other properties.
Protesters have been interdicted from interfering with the daily operations of the university, including academics, administration or logistical functions.
They were instructed not to threaten, assault or intimidate any students, staff, building contractors or subcontractors.
They may also not restrict the free movement of vehicles or pedestrians in the vicinity of the university or residences including Sol Plaatje Boulevard, Chapel Street, Heintrich Street. Bultfontein Road, Scanlan Road, Truter Street, Reservoir Road, Birbeck Avenue, Jacobus Smit Street, Eureka Street, Bishops Road and Lawson Road.
