During recent intense student demonstrations held across several campuses on Wednesday evening, one of the senior security staff members at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) sustained a head injury after being hit by a brick. This incident led to two arrests, as well as reports of fires and property damage in various locations.
By Thursday, the situation on the campuses had calmed down, and the university began conducting safety assessments, monitoring the condition of the injured, and determining the timeline for resuming face-to-face classes. A CPUT representative, Lauren Kansli, confirmed that the senior security staff member remained in intensive care after sustaining the head injury during the protests on Wednesday.
The recent wave of unrest followed days of student mobilization over various financial grievances. Students expressed concern regarding historical debt, financial isolation, and the cost of living. Furthermore, the Student Representative Council (SRC) demanded a reduction in accommodation fees, which exceed the limit set by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
A central point of contention was also the CPUT's proposed 2027 Financial Recovery Plan. Student representatives argued that this plan could introduce a one-time registration fee of 7000 rand, as well as new financial clearance requirements for students.
Earlier, over a thousand students from residences gathered on the District Six campus for a mass meeting, after which students began halting classes on campuses and in residences, demanding resolution to their issues. Subsequently, a second memorandum with demands was submitted at the Bellville campus, as students claimed the university management had not adequately responded to a previous memorandum presented following the mass meeting led by the Central SRC.
However, following an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday evening, the CPUT Council withdrew the Draft Financial Recovery Plan. Kansli stated that the plan was withdrawn for further consultation. She emphasized that the Council is the highest decision-making body in the institution, and the discussion of a minimum initial payment was initiated by the Council to ensure more robust financial planning.
CPUT stated that it expected the protests to cease immediately after the withdrawal of the plan. Kansli noted that no serious infrastructure damage was recorded, although flooded buildings and broken gates require attention. She added that this is only possible once calm is restored on campus. Online classes continued on Thursday while management determined when it would be safe to resume in-person classes.
The Western Cape Police representative, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, reported that Public Order Police were deployed to College Street in Wellington around 10:15 PM on Wednesday, where about 220 students were protesting. Trees, fences, and a vehicle were set on fire, and stones were thrown at police and fire services. The windows of one building were damaged. Police dispersed the crowd and filed a public violence case. There were no reports of arrests in Wellington.
In Bellville, police assessed the participation of approximately 1700 people in the protests. Twigg reported that one building was set on fire, a guard was injured and taken to a medical facility. Two men aged 19 and 21 were arrested for public violence and are due to appear in the Bellville Magistrate's Court after being charged.
Another protest, involving about 500 people, took place on Hanover Street in downtown Cape Town around 9:30 PM. Police reported that the roadway was blocked with burning tires, and stones were thrown at vehicles before officers dispersed the crowd. No arrests were made. Police and other law enforcement agencies continue to patrol the affected areas. Twigg urged protest participants to act within the law, warning that violators would be held accountable for their actions.
Students protesting alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) conducted a peaceful march to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly building on Monday. During this event, police used force, employing batons, water spray, and tear gas against students who were attempting to surround the building.
The administration defended its actions, describing them as restrained, and accused the demonstrators of throwing stones at the police. Students have been involved in an indefinite protest since July 24, demanding the immediate cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam, ensuring transparency in the recruitment process, and conducting an investigation into alleged CBI violations.
Initially, due to lack of permission and ongoing activities, students were relocated to the Jayaprakash Singh Stadium on July 28. Nevertheless, despite negotiations with the government commission, student organizations marched to the Legislative Assembly on Monday, where demonstrators were subjected to police violence at least three times.
Following criticism of the police actions against the students, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ranchi Manjunath Bhajmantri and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Ranjan held a joint press conference late Monday evening. They stated that the police exercised extreme restraint and used minimal force only after the lives of officers were threatened by thrown stones.
DC Ranchi Manjunath Bhajmantri stated that 14 police personnel were injured during the clashes. He also reported that one policeman was hit by a stone, and some anti-social elements attempted to provoke the police and officials. The DC emphasized that the police forces maintained composure throughout the protest.
He added that one officer was attacked by a stone, and another was nearly crushed by the crowd, putting his life at risk. This is why moderate force was used to save the officer and restore order.
SSP Rakesh Ranjan clarified that a total of 14 police officers were injured in the violent confrontation. One sustained serious injuries, while others received first aid. The SSP noted that demonstrators attempted to block officials' vehicles and threw items such as shoes and socks at them. The administration announced its intention to identify anti-social elements disrupting public order and take strict legal action against them.
On the other hand, the injured students rejected the police statements, asserting that the police began beating them with batons without any prior warning while they were peacefully seated. An injured student named Shivam reported that over a hundred young people were beaten with batons. The students had been on a hunger strike for the last nine days, awaiting a response from the government, but the police attacked them directly.
In response to a question about a planned closure on Tuesday organized by Jharkhand BJP in support of the students, the DC urged everyone to remain calm. He warned that strict measures would be taken against those who violate law and order. Furthermore, the administration launched a helpline for students traveling from afar to organize transport to bus stations and railway stations.
Amid these events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities in the JPSC exams, registering an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
