Johannesburg – An attempt by a group of students to interdict the Witwatersrand University (Wits) from continuing with academic activities failed, the institution said on Friday.
“The South Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of the university and the application was dismissed with costs,” said university spokeswoman Shirona Patel.
The students had previously hauled the institution to court to have Wits’ opinion poll on whether lectures should resume halted. The court ruled against the student leaders, and said all voices needed to be heard regarding resumption of lectures.
Friday saw lectures continuing at the institution although with several disruptions. Patel said protesters set off fire crackers in lecture rooms.
“Most lectures went ahead. People waited for protesters disrupting classes to leave and then continued with academic activities. Security and police were called on the scene and the protesters dispersed,” she said.
She said the university has suffered huge losses as a result of destruction of property undertaken strict safety and security measures effective immediately.
University buildings, libraries, reading room would be closed between 9.30pm and 6am, except student and staff residences. Those who do not reside in the campus would not be allowed entry during curfew times.
“Only people authorised to occupy university facilities and those on official university business maybe in the campus after 10pm. Any other person who must out of necessity be on campus must first apply to the registrar for written permission…failure to abide by the new restrictions may constitute misconduct.”
She said a full complement of police and private security would be spread across campus, and that bags, busses and cars might be searched.
Police arrested two students on Thursday night after several buildings were pelted with rocks, with windows broken and some of the buildings damaged. The university said the buildings were cleaned up in the morning and lectures continued.
Students at public universities have been protesting for weeks demanding free higher education under #FeesMustFall campaign.
The protests have been marred by destruction of university properties as running battles between students and police continued.
African News Agency