More students arrested at NW University protest

Forty-six protesting students were arrested at the North West University's Mafikeng campus today, police said.

Captain Sabata Mokgwabone said the students were arrested when they barricaded the entrance to the campus shortly after 9am. "Rubber bullets and a stun grenade had to be fired to disperse students who were singing and intimidating others.

"Forty-six of about 200 students were arrested and charged with intimidation and contravening the gatherings act," said Mokgwabone. Several others were injured and taken to hospital. "The situation has now quieted down but police will still monitor the situation," said Mokgwabone.

The South African Students Congress (Sasco) said however the protest had been peaceful and that there was no need to fire rubber bullets. Member of the Sasco working committee Castro Ngobese said the students were protesting mainly against fee increases.

"The students are not happy with the fee increases as well as the manner in which things are run at the university. "For example they are not happy with the quality of education being offered," said Ngobese.

Ngobese said the protests began on Monday and that the university had sought an interdict to prevent students from barricading the campus. Sasco had met the university's student representative council yesterday to discuss the matter.

"It is not only students that have issues with the university but staff as well," said Ngobese. The university could not be reached for comment. - Sapa