PAARL – Protest action continued to escalate on Wednesday evening (12 August) at the Wellington campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) when students allegedly set a car alight.

According to Lauren Kansley, spokesperson for the university, a special sitting of their Council took place on Wedsnesday evening where a decision was taken to withdraw the Draft Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) for 2027 so that further consultation can happen.

“Council is the highest decision making body of the institution and the discussion around a minimum initial payment was taken at the behest of Council so that more robust financial planning happens. It was also stated that since the withdrawal has taken place we expect that all protest action should stop immediately.”

Kansley confirmed the affected vehicle is the property of CPUT, which was used by campus security.

Despite this, protests continued violently in Wellington later the same evening. According to Stephan Landsberg from the Wellington Action Group police had to resort to smoke grenades to help diffuse the tensions within the area of student residence Huis Murray.

Public Order Police had to intervene

Upon enquiry Sgt Wesley Twigg, spokesperson for the police in the Western Cape, Public Order Police were deployed in College Street Wellington on Wednesday night (12 August) at about 22:15 where approximately 220 students staged a protest.

“Trees, fencing and a vehicle were set alight and stones were thrown at police and Fire and Rescue Services and windows of a building were damaged. Police action was taken to disperse the crowd.”

Twigg confirmed a case of public violence was registered for investigation and no arrests have been made thus far.

“Police and other law enforcement agencies are currently on the scene to monitor the situation.”

In the meantime approximately 1 700 students protested at the CPUT Bellville campus on Wednesday. Twigg says public order police responded to this incident as well.

“According to reports a building was set alight and a security guard was injured and transported to a medical facility for treatment. Police action was taken to disperse the crowd and to restore calm. We can confirm that two men aged 19 and 21 were arrested for public violence and will appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court once they have been charged.”

Cape Town Central police has also opened an investigation after a public violence incident on Wednesday evening around 21:30 at CPUT’s District Six campus in Hanover Street.

“According to reports a crowd of about 500 participants gathered outside the building where they blockaded the road with burning tyres and throwing stones at vehicles. Police action were taken to disperse the crowd and restore calm to the area. Public Order Police remain in the affected area to monitor the situation and respond to any eventuality that may arise. No arrests have been made.”

Twigg emphasized that the “Western Cape police are urging those who participate in protest action to do so within the ambit of the law. Those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law will face the consequences of their actions”.

Nova News has learned that there were already cases of disruption reported at CPUT campuses last Friday (August 7). The university’s management confirmed the incident this past Saturday (August 8).

“Some disruption of lectures and library operations were reported and some staff and students were also inconvenienced when shuttles services were halted. Overall however, operations continued as normal.”

The statement further states: “A meeting of the Finance Committee of Council took place on Friday 7 August and student leaders incorrectly framed aspects of this meeting. It is important to note that any changes will always be consulted widely, prior to a final decision being made. These matters are still before Council and its sub-committees, and no decisions have been made.”

CPUT reminds students of final interdict

A mass meeting took place at the District Six campus on Monday (August 10) where students shared their grievances regarding registration fees. This was followed by a planned “campus shutdown” on Tuesday (August 11). Disruption ensued at several CPUT campuses including the one in Wellington where “protesters were burning garden refuse in bins and then some trees caught alight as a result” said Kansley.

Students were also reminded by CPUT management of the final interdict that the university obtained in the Western Cape High Court on 29 May 2023. This prohibits the disruption of any university activities and unlawful conduct, which includes violence, intimidation, incitement and damage to CPUT property and vehicles.

“Violation of this court order is a criminal offence and all transgressors will be dealt with accordingly. This interdict still stands. Please find a copy of the final court order attached.”

The content of the interdict can be read on the CPUT official website.

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