Johannesburg — Protesters disrupted lectures at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Braamfontein campus yesterday morning, the institution said.
“Right now, we hear that it’s students from other campuses and people from various political parties,” said spokesperson Shirona Patel.
Some of those protesting were alleged to be part of the institution. “The Wits SRC isn’t involved in the protest,” said Patel.
The protesting group had opened fire extinguishers and sprayed them over the campus.
Wits said it condemned the act and highlighted that this was a violation of a court order that the university obtained.
“Members of campus control have been deployed to stabilise the situation. The university has summoned extra security and alerted the South African Police Services who will remain on standby. We’ll call on them only if required,” said Patel.
There had been no report of injuries.
Patel said lecturers on campus had been given strict instruction to ensure that they and the students in classrooms remain safe.
They are to evacuate if the need arises and only return to their classrooms once the situation calmed down. — Sapa



