Two students from the University of Fort Hare were arrested after alleged acts of public violence outside the institution’s Alice campus, police said, as protests over deteriorating student residences continued and classes remained suspended.
Police warn they may enter campus under legislation
The arrests were made after the students allegedly threw objects at moving vehicles and attempted to set one vehicle alight, according to a South African Police Service (SAPS) statement quoted by media. The two are due to appear in the Alice Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
SAPS spokesperson Majola Nkohli reiterated that "acts of public violence and destruction of property will not be tolerated" and said the police had issued a clear warning to the student body. Nkohli added that should further incidents occur, police would be compelled to exercise powers under section 48 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which authorises entry onto campus premises to effect additional arrests.
Students demand urgent action on residence decay
Students have shut down the Alice campus in protest, demanding an action plan from university authorities to address long-standing infrastructural defects in residences. They complain of leaking roofs and serious sanitation problems that, they say, leave a persistent stench in living quarters.
“Students were really not happy with the answers because they said the same things they have been preaching to us since the previous year. We have raised the issues of our residences, and they even put dates as far as next year. So, students were not happy with that, and that added to their frustrations. Currently, classes are suspended.”
The comment above was attributed to Sinovuyo Ngqwangi, a member of the student representative council (SRC), who described frustration at repeated delays and promises that extend into the following year.
Local impact and pressing questions
The disruptions at Fort Hare carry direct consequences for students’ academic progress and wellbeing. With classes suspended, learners face lost contact time during a critical part of the academic calendar. The protests also raise questions about the university’s maintenance and budgetary prioritisation for student housing.
Key practical questions remain unanswered in public reporting so far:
- What immediate remedial measures, if any, has university management put in place to make residences habitable?
- Has the university provided alternative accommodation or sanitation solutions for affected students?
- Will the institution and relevant provincial education or higher education authorities convene an urgent task team to produce a binding action plan with short, medium and long-term timelines?
Arrests, charges and campus status
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Number arrested | 2 students |
| Allegations | Public violence — throwing objects at moving vehicles; attempted arson of a vehicle |
| Court appearance | Alice Magistrate’s Court on Monday |
| Campus status | Classes suspended; campus shutdown by students |
Wider context: student accommodation and safety
Universities across the country periodically face pressure over student accommodation standards. At Fort Hare, students say problems have persisted for years and that previous assurances from management have not translated into timely repairs. The visible escalation to protest action and arrests suggests a breakdown in trust between students and the university leadership.
For local residents and campus neighbours, the demonstrations create concerns around road safety and public order when objects are thrown at moving vehicles. SAPS’ warning about invoking section 48 of the Criminal Procedure Act signals that police are prepared to move beyond perimeter policing should disturbances continue.
What to watch next
- The Alice Magistrate’s Court appearance by the two students.
- Any public statement or action plan released by the University of Fort Hare addressing the residence complaints.
- Responses from provincial higher education authorities or the Office of the Premier if the dispute escalates.
The situation remains fluid. University management and SAPS have made statements about enforcement and legality; students maintain the protests will continue until they see concrete timelines and repairs for their living conditions. Further reporting will track court outcomes, any mediation efforts and whether the campus reopens for classes.
Reporter: Eastern Cape correspondent, based in Gqeberha. Sourced from SAPS and student representatives as reported by national media.
