S. African police vow to exercise restraint in dealing with student protests

The South African Police Service (SAPS) pledged to exercise restraint in dealing with student protests while attempting to maintain stability and safety in the country.

"The police will continue to do our duties wherever needed. We make an urgent call to all concerned to be responsible and act within the confines of the law," Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane said Monday after visiting Wits University in Johannesburg, which has been hard hit by student protests over fee increases.

He dismissed press reports that rubber bullets and tear gas were once again fired at protesting students at Wits University early on Monday, sending hundreds of students running for cover in the busy streets.

He noted that it is extremely concerning to note that criminality, intimidation and attacks on police members have taken place at some universities, leaving the SAPS members deployed with "no option but to respond with a degree of force in order to stabilise the situation."

Phahlane said the SAPS is continuing to monitor protest action taking place as part of the "Fees Must Fall" campaign at various campuses across the country.

"I wish to emphasize that our members have continued to display maximum restraint in the face of severe provocation," he noted.

A new wave of student protests flared up late last month after Minister Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande announced that universities can raise fees, provided that it does not exceed eight percent. Endit