CPUT students clash with security over accommodation issues
Cape Town - Just hours after CPUT’s Residence, Financial Aid, and security personnel secured accommodation for 410 students, chaos erupted as students clashed with security guards. A fire was started, infrastructure was damaged, and one person was left wounded.
CPUT management said students tried to force their way into residences while they claimed they were merely seeking accommodation for the night.
By Sunday, they confirmed that 534 students had been placed into accommodation.
The Cape Argus understands that orientation for certain subject departments was suspended on Monday via an email which was communicated with relevant students.
The Cape Argus shared the video of the incident which took place on Sunday just after 11pm in the parking area of the District Six campus and shows security guards and students in a struggle and fight.
One student is seen running to a guard to beat him up and another security joins to intervene and grabs a chair which he uses to hit the young man on the head.
The guards begin to group, holding their shields and manage to bring the students down to the ground.
CPUT’s leadership spoke with Cape Argus on Monday stating that one pupil sustained a head injury and is hospitalised.
“After that students were sent off with the buses, we are still a large amount left here,” said the student leadership, who asked not to be identified in fear of victimisation.
“It was windy and around 11pm students approached the security asking if they could sleep inside the student centre.
“When they were in the parking area, the security began hitting the students and that is when the incident happened.
“We were peaceful, we did not want trouble.
“One student has head injuries and is in hospital.”
In a response to the incident, CPUT Management said students demanded access to the residences and that is when the violence unfolded, leaving a trail of destruction with damaged infrastructure.
“A violent group of applicants who have been squatting at our District Six campus demanding access to residences, have clashed with CPUT Campus Protection Services overnight,” they said.
“Security was forced to intervene after the group set fire to infrastructure, stoned windows and attacked campus security. In some cases it was clear that these individuals were intoxicated and security needed to restrain them for their own safety since they were a danger to both themselves and others.
“These clashes are extremely disheartening especially since our staff members worked through the weekend to place 534 students in residence. The clashes which took place are perpetrated by applicants who were not part of this group, and have been told that they do not qualify for residence.
“Their ineligibility for residence is because they are career students who have exceeded their years of study and no longer have NSFAS funding, those who are not progressing academically, those with disciplinary issues, some provided fake student numbers or lived within the 60km radius of campus.
“Out of anger they then went on a rampage and attacked our buildings and staff last night.
“The placement of bona fide students is done with compassion and empathy since we understand the frustration and anxiety of not having a residence place. Despite these difficult conditions, our staff members continue to work directly with applicants with “pending” statuses to try and find places for eligible students.
“The safety of our staff and students is a priority and we are working closely with SAPS to identify perpetrators and remove them from our campuses.”
On Sunday, CPUT’s spokesperson, Lauren Kansley confirmed that 410 students were placed onto buses after accommodation was found.
The University also said they were pursuing disciplinary actions against illegitimate student leaders who are trying to destabilise our operations.
CPUT student leader Lihle Mkohliwe said students were forced to attend classes while not having a place to sleep, eat or wash.
Previously, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) called on the Private Student Housing Association (PSHA) to provide a list of affected accommodation providers (AP) for the shortfall of R44 million to be resolved as universities intend on opening their doors in the next week days while some have already begun the reception of residency students.
The financial aid said they would only be releasing payment to students once their accommodation was proven and verified.