MUT management, SRC in talks to quell unrest
Updated | By Nushera Soodyal
Management at Durban's Mangosuthu University of Technology has been locked in a meeting with the SRC since noon - following violent protests this morning.
Students blocked off the entrance of the campus in Umlazi with burning tyres and rocks.
MUT spokesperson, Mbali Mkhize stepped out of the meeting to tell journalists that talks between student leaders and university management were still continuing.
Mkhize says management is working through the grievances of the students - adding that the students' list of demands is growing.
She says the resumption of classes will depend on the outcome of today's meeting.
Newswatch understands some of the issues raised include problems with registration, non-payment of allowances and the extension of the library and clinic hours.
#MUTshutdown Another student arrested @ECR_Newswatch during violent protests at Mangosuthu University of Technology in Umlazi this morning.@SAPoliceService have confirms 5 students were arrested. Should be 6 now. pic.twitter.com/gLq1fvDYYj
— Nushera Raisa (@nushera) February 18, 2019
A seventh student was arrested for public violence.
Newswatch arrived on the Umlazi campus to find between 20 and 30 police officers.
A few minutes later, officers were seen bundling a student in SASCO regalia into the back of a police van. Five other students were arrested during the morning protests.
NOW READ: Protest breaks out, students set mattresses alight in Durban
The situation on campus is calm, but tense.
"This morning - there was protest action at MUT. Students were protesting and overturned a vehicle inside the premises of the university. Students were arrested for public violence and they were taken to Umlazi SAPS," eThekwini Metro Police spokesperson, Parbhoo Sewpersadh said.
#MUTshutdown Another group of students gather, police move in to disperse the crowd. There’s a strong smell of teargas in the air. The group are clad in bandanas. @ECR_Newswatch Classes were meant to resume today. pic.twitter.com/ScX0IAhlbJ
— Nushera Raisa (@nushera) February 18, 2019
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