MIDDELBURG – The courtroom, packed to capacity by Nkangala TVET students, was enveloped in a cloud of joy and jubilation when the court announced the withdrawal of the case against three learners arrested for public violence.
Kgabo Selepe, Siyabonga Mphapane, and Ceaser Buthelezi appeared at the Middelburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 14, following their arrest by members of the public order police on Wednesday for alleged public violence.
The students were part of a protest against NSFAS funding and accommodation policy changes, which they claimed they were not consulted on.
Police dispersed the crowd of students who blocked the Middelburg campus main gate with burning tyres and large stones, affecting traffic along Meyer and Boncker streets, by firing rubber bullets and teargas canisters.
Three learners sustained minor injuries and were subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment.
Speaking outside the court, Kgabo told the Highveld Chronicle that he had a traumatizing experience. “I did not believe the case would end like this because what happened on the day of the arrest was traumatizing and devastating,” he said. “We are so sorry to all the students who are injured, and we wish them a speedy recovery in the hospital.”
Siyabonga added that the police just arrived and started shooting. “Students have the right to protest, but the police just came and started shooting at us. That is when students started running in different directions, and that is how I was caught,” he said.
They were released later on Wednesday evening after being granted on station bail of R500 each.
The matter had to be withdrawn because it was not registered on the court roll.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli told the paper they were compelled to use force to contain the situation as it was volatile. “Police began to engage the students; however, the protesters reportedly pelted stones and bottles at the members,” he said. “Currently, our office is not aware of any student injured during the incident. However, if there are any, that matter should be investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).”
