STUDENT activists at UCT say they will continue their protest action after their talks with university authorities deadlocked.
This is despite the university’s announcement that it will resume critical services across the campus, saying it had reached the “point of no return” in terms of saving the academic year.
The latest setback comes in the wake of students and workers confronting vice-chancellor Max Price last week, demanding that charges be dropped against activist Masixole Mlandu.
Mlandu was released on bail more than a week ago after being arrested for violating a university interdict against him.
His latest arrest is for an alleged involvement in a group of protesters who broke into the campus protection services office, intimidating and forcing guards out, a university statement read.
During talks with Price, a scuffle broke out in which the university alleges the vice-chancellor was assaulted.
Student activist Simon Rakei said talks between the university and its leadership had broken down after the latest incident.
“Our member, recently released on bail, has again been arrested and is being kept in Pollsmoor (prison), we are told.
"Our stance on the return of expelled students remains resolute. Talks have broken down after this incident,” said Rakei.
He said there were security cameras near the security offices where Mlandu was arrested. He said the group wanted the footage released because they disputed the university’s version of events.
“There are sufficient security cameras, but the university has not released the footage so we can view the events.
"Management has not agreed to any of our terms, of which amnesty for expelled students remains unwavering. We will continue protest action until our demands are met,” said Rakei.
He added that no restorative justice can occur if students return with a suspension or expulsion hanging over their heads.
Yesterday, UCT spokesperson Pat Lucas said: “As we have said before, if we can identify the individual(s) who assaulted Dr Price, we will take action.
"UCT does not have jurisdiction over charges such as violating an order of the court.”
She said the university would not at present comment on the security footage of the incident relating to Mlandu.