Suspected arson at UKZN after riots turn ugly

The Pietermaritzburg campus has cancelled all lectures until 23 February.

Police are investigating a case of arson after a University of KwaZulu Natal vehicle was set ablaze on Sunday night. The incident took place days after protests erupted the Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses.

Angry students protested when the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) said they were running out of finances to continue funding students that were promised loans and bursaries.

“We do not have other options to seek funding and preference is given to first year students for residence over the current students who reside on the campus,” said one angry student.

Despite the presence of the South African Police Services (SAPS) at the Pietermaritzburg Campus, striking students tear-gassed two lectures last Wednesday.

“Since this strike began we have been pulled out of our lectures including mathematics, which is an important lecture and our mathematics lecturer fears for her life. The rioters proceeded to the cafeteria in the hexagon theatre, and began to kick down the tables and chairs,” said a non-striking student who did not wish to be named.

The Pietermaritzburg campus has cancelled all lectures until 23 February.