Six DUT students to appear in the City’s Magistrate’s Court

Among the charges against them is possession of explosives, convening an illegal gathering, being a public nuisance and failing to obey police instructions.

In a statement yesterday, DUT management confirmed that six students were taken into custody by police after about 30 of them disrupted lectures at the ML Sultan campus yesterday morning.

They say they can’t allow the entire university to be intimidated by a small group engaging in criminal behavior.

At the same time, the EFF Student Command says it’s willing to sacrifice the 2016 academic year to attain free higher education. 

Yesterday the student organisation, vowed that no university will open its doors until free education is realised. 

This comes after two weeks of violent protests on various university campuses, with calls from some students and  higher education minister, Blade Nzimande's order that students should return to class.

Plans are in motion to intensify the students' struggle with a call to churches, labour and civil society to join a national shutdown next week.

EFF student command president, Mpho Morolane says students are resolute in their call for free higher education.

He admitted that some might have to sacrifice their studies this year.

ALSO READ: Be prepared to sacrifice 2016 academic year: EFFSC

"If it takes that our graduations, our finishing must be postponed, then let it be. It must be known that we go back when there is an introduction of free education," Morolane said.

The student command says the blame for the current instability lays at the door of government and its inability to fulfil its promises.

"We are not going to allow a situation where we are being told that it is unjustifiable for this country to have free quality education for all while people are living lavish lifestyle and sending their children to universities abroad.

He added that this shows that government does not take education seriously.