Students' protest turns violent

2011-08-23 16:00

Johannesburg - A students' protest at Fort Hare University in Alice turned violent on Tuesday, Eastern Cape police said.

Police instructed the crowd to disperse, but students responded by throwing stones, bottles and sharp objects, said Warrant Officer Bradley Rawlinson.

He said police fired rubber bullets at the ground and managed to disperse the students.

Rawlinson denied reports that police had used stun grenades.

The vice chancellor, Dr Mvuyo Tom, addressed the protesters at about 15:00.

"Everything is quiet now," Rawlinson said.

Students had gathered from 08:00 to protest the lack of hot water and electricity in residences.

- SAPA