Fort Hare protesters’ court case postponed

Students released on a warning

Photo of students in court

University of Fort Hare students appeared in court in East London today on charges of public violence. The case was postponed. Photo: Abongile Ndevu

By Abongile Ndevu

13 October 2016

The 32 University of Fort Hare students arrested on Tuesday appeared in the East London Magistrates Court today on charges of public violence. They were released on a warning and the case was postponed until 18 November.

The students were arrested in their residence at Quigney after protests which closed Fleet Street in East London city centre.

Fellow students came to court to support them.

Student Nanelethu Mvumvu said he and fellow students had been there since yesterday to support their fellow students.

“The court should release these students because some of them were innocent. The police just charged in at our residence, and just started to arrest everyone who was on site. We stand with those who have been detained, no matter what.”

The UFH students are still boycotting classes. Students and management were in talks today.