South African students demo intensifies

Police in South Africa have dispersed a group of students protesting over high tuition fees as part of a nationwide demonstration.

On Tuesday, police used stun grenades and arrested several students at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

The students were arrested for contravening a court order which has barred them from gathering in groups of more than 15 on campus.

“Like I said, we were very peaceful, other students have been caught in the hall debris, we are not entirely sure what’s happening, students have marched and gathered peacefully. As you can see behind me, it looks like they might open fire,” said Fasiha Hassan, student leader of the university.

Various legal representatives have also joined students to show support for their cause.

Dali Mpofu, advocate and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) national chair said, “Well this is a tragedy waiting to happen. That is why we made a call to all the leaders, all the parents, not just here in Johannesburg – anywhere in the country, to go and be with the students and listen what they are saying.”

The protesting students are demanding free education for all, despite the government’s proposal of a tuition hike of up to eight percent.

Reuters