The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Management has confirmed that it has made the decision to shut campuses, including all residences.
This decision was taken after a building was set alight on the Bellville campus on Monday night.
According to CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley, the fire posed a significant risk, and the university also had incidents of staff and students being rushed to hospital with critical injuries.
Videos of the incident have since been widely shared online.
Kansley added that at this stage, the university is in its highest crisis alert level and, to avoid a potential loss of life, this decision was taken.
The Police in Bellville South has confirmed that it has opened a public violence case at around 22:45 after the building was set alight by students. According to police, no arrest has been made yet, and the investigation continues.
CPUT Management have reportedly continuously implored the student leadership to return to the negotiating table to bring an end to the violence and disruption and avoid losing more academic teaching time.
“The doors to meaningful and constructive engagement remain open; however, we feel the evacuation is a necessary step to de-escalate the violence.”
The Western Cape Police have confirmed that a group of approximately 100 CPUT students marched peacefully to Parliament on Tuesday. Public Order Police were on the scene to maintain public peace during the march. According to police, no damage to property or fatalities has been reported.
This follows violent protests by disgruntled students at campuses in Bellville, District Six and Wellington last week over a drafted financial plan for 2027. The university has since confirmed that damages caused last week will cost around R400,000 to repair.
