The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda has called for calm in institutions of higher learning in the province, following violent protests, which have claimed the life of one student from the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
A staff member from DUT was also injured during the violent protests and is recuperating in hospital.
Kaunda who conveyed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased student has asked the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that there is high police visibility in all campuses in the province.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased student and the staff member who is fighting for her life in hospital,” said Kaunda.
Preliminary reports indicate that the student was allegedly shot by security guards during the violent protests.
“As the provincial government, we are saddened by the latest developments at the DUT Campus. We want to call upon students to ensure that these protests are peaceful and do not result in further loss of lives and damage to property,” said Kaunda.
Kaunda has also urged the police to increase visibility in all campuses until peace and stability is restored. He also cautioned students that while they have a right to protests, but they must ensure that the protests do not turn violent and result in damage to property.
KZN MEC Kaunda calls for calm at tertiary institutions https://t.co/7kKpfAMeJk Video via CICA – Crime Intelligence & Community Awareness – South Africa #Protests #University pic.twitter.com/39XLVBMA26
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 6, 2019