THERE was mayhem at the University of KwaZulu-Natal yesterday as protesting students used pepper spray in lecture rooms at the Howard College campus while lectures were cancelled at the Edgewood campus.
Sixty students were arrested at Edgewood for being in contempt of a high court order.
An unrelated service delivery protest on Varsity Drive in Westville added to the chaos.
About 150 students embarked on protest action at the Edgewood campus over financial aid issues.
UKZN spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said they received verbal reports from Risk Management Services that property had been vandalised and damaged.
“Approximately 60 students have been detained by SAPS for contempt of the final high court order which prohibits unlawful disruptions at the University’s campuses.”
Seshoka said protesting students barricaded the entrance to Edgewood campus and were dispersed by police.
On the Howard College campus, some lectures were disrupted as the lecture venues reeked of pepper spray — a student was arrested in connection with the incident.
“There have been extensive discussions with the student leadership and management will continue to consult and engage with the SRCs.
“Students are reminded that a final high court order prohibits unlawful protests, acts of violence and mass action on the university’s campuses.
“The order also prohibits any attempt to obstruct the entrances to the campuses.
“Perpetrators in violation of the interdict will face the full might of the law,” said Seshoka.
He urged students to raise any matter of concern with their Student Representative Councils.
Meanwhile, schoolchildren were among residents who were protesting at Banana City informal settlement at Reservoir Hills near Westville yesterday.
Banana City residents, whose informal homes overlook Reservoir Hills houses, started protesting at 4 am.
They burnt tyres and blocked roads with stones and tree branches.
Police arrested eight people for public violence and they are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today.
The protesters are demanding decent housing.
