Durban - The University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) on Thursday demanded that students living in campus residences vacate by Friday.
In an email sent to all students at the campus, Vice Chancellor and Principal Dr Albert van Jaarsveld requested that they vacate their living quarters "in context of the continued violence, the unwarranted arson, the unprecedented destruction of property, and the threats to the safety and security in residences and UKZN campuses".
"The university management has taken the decision to close all student residences, including off-campus leased and university-owned residences," Van Jaarsveld said in the email.
The email went out to many students around 15:00 on Thursday. Students have been given until Friday at noon to vacate.
It stated that legal residence students would be allowed back into the residences on Sunday September 27.
On Thursday, provincial police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane confirmed cases of violence on Wednesday night.
"A case of public violence was opened at Alexandra Road, in Pietermartizburg, after campus property and two vehicles were damaged last night. No arrest made and no injuries reported at this stage," he said.
All UKZN campuses have experienced sporadic violence over the past week, with the Pietermaritzburg campus experiencing the most violence.
Pietermaritzburg SRC President Richard Mhlongo said he would not comment until he had conferred with the SRC structures. His cellphone was later switched off.
