A total of 22 were arrested for public violence on Wednesday (2/8). Of those, 14 between the ages of 19 and 24 were arrested at the two UFS campuses in Bloemfontein, while eight were arrested at the Qwaqwa campus. 

All students are facing charges of public violence. The arrests came after disgruntled students disrupted classes, and damaged some of the buildings and cars during protests at the university.

A crowd of students gathered outside the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday (4/8) to support those arrested during mass student protests. Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli said students who appeared in court on Friday were granted free bail. 

They are expected to back in court on 5 September after their case was postponed. Students arrested in Qwaqwa remained in police custody and are expected back in court on Tuesday (8/8).  

All academic activities on all three campuses were moved online after violent student protests. On Friday, the university decided to resume face-to-face academic activities on Monday.

University spokesperson Lacea Loader said the university confirmed a large number of UFS registered students who are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) but were excluded from payment received their allowances on Friday.

The arrests came after disgruntled students disrupted classes, and damaged some of the buildings and cars during protests at the university.

The university is aware of a small number of students who are not yet on eZaga – an online digital banking service to disburse direct payments to NSFAS beneficiaries. 

“On a sectoral level, the university would also like to confirm that a statement has been issued by Universities South Africa (USAf), in which NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation are, among others, requested to urgently resolve the matter of the direct payment of allowances to students,“ Loader said. 

“The UFS fully supports the statement and (hopes) an amicable and urgent solution … can be found.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francis Petersen previously said Protection Services and the police will remain on high alert to monitor the situation on campuses closely. Peterson is expected to address staff and students on Tuesday about last week’s protest action.

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