Media Statement from KwaZulu Natal Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

Today, Police at Richards Bay and Public Order Police arrested 121 students for public violence and malicious damage to property at a FET college in Richards Bay. Students embarked on a violent protest in the early hours of this morning demanding financial assistance. They damaged campus property and set waste bins on fire. Police were alerted of the incident and proceeded to the area where the protesters attacked them. When they refused to comply with police instructions to disperse, water cannons were used to disperse the violent group. No injuries were sustained during the confrontation and police were able to arrest 121 students.  Police are still in the area monitoring the situation. The suspects will appear at Empangeni Magistrates Court soon.

The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni condemned the attack on police while conducting their duties. “We condemn the violence that usual accompanies these type of protest actions. We will not tolerate any form of criminality and I want to commend our police officers for arresting those that were responsible for the violence,” she said.

Media enquiries: Colonel Jay Naicker- 082 556 7865 kzn.mediacentre@saps.gov.za

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