UKZN Students Walk Free After Protest Case Not Enrolled. Two University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) students who were arrested for their involvement in damages caused at the university during a protest last week have been released after it was revealed that their case was not enrolled. check Your Application Status
Arrest and Expected Court Appearance
The students were arrested on Thursday afternoon and were initially expected to appear at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday. However, their court appearance did not happen as the case had not been enrolled.
Protest Against New Payment System
The students were arrested in connection with a protest that occurred the previous Monday, during which university property was damaged. The protest was in opposition to the new direct payment system, known as Tenet Technology, which was implemented by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas).
Issues with the New System
The new payment system, which began at the end of June, involves Nsfas appointing suppliers to manage payments, removing universities from the payment process and supplier appointment. Students have reported encountering problems with the new system from its inception.
Conclusion
In a turn of events, the two UKZN students arrested for their involvement in last week’s university protest have been released as their case was not enrolled. The protest, sparked by opposition to the new payment system, highlighted concerns about the Nsfas’s direct payment approach. Despite the initial arrest and expected court appearance, the students are now free as the case remains unenrolled.