Police at the Central University of Technology had to make use of stun grenades and rubber bullets, to disperse students attempting to disrupt examinations at the Boet Troskie Hall.
Students and police spent the morning in a long standoff, with some students attempting to prevent students from entering the Boet Troskie Hall, and many loitering outside the university’s library.
A small group occasionally attempted to provoke the police by hurling rocks in their direction.
This follows Monday afternoon’s torching of a small bathroom behind the campus’ gymnasium.
The Mangaung Metro Municipality’s Fire department managed to douse the flames before it could spread.
Shortly after 11:00, police warned all students not writing exams to disperse and evacuate the campus, as they were planning on acting against the protestors.
A few minutes later, they let loose a volley of stun grenades and rubber bullets, while the CUT’s own private security officers used paintball guns loaded with a combination of rubber balls and capsaicin pellets.
Less than 10 minutes later, the campus resembled a ghost town, with just a few stragglers being guided toward the gates by security.
Police have yet to confirm if any students have been arrested.
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Earl Coetzee