Students stood side by side facing public order police blocking the entrance to the university.

This comes after the institution issued an eviction order stating that students vacate the campus, east of Polokwane, on Wednesday afternoon.

University principal, Professor Mahlo Mokgalong, said the university was closing the campus because its property was under attack.

"As a result of the protracted violent student protests on campus management has decided to suspend academic programmes indefinitely," the spokesperson, Kgalema Mohuba, said.

The suspension is with immediate effect.

All students were instructed to vacate residences by 17:00, said Mohuba.

'I don't know where I'm going to sleep'

"The decision was taken in the interest of the safety and security of our students, staff and university property."

Some students ran for cover under the local complex's roof as the downpour began.

More than 8 000 students abandoned the #FeesMustFall protests to make alternative arrangements for accommodation.

Ntebaleng Mpetsi, a third year BCom Arts student from Attridgeville, told News24 that she was stranded and had nowhere to go.

"I don't know where I'm going to sleep," she said.

"This protest is costing us, some of us wanted to graduate and help our struggling parents," she said.

Protests erupted around the country at universities after Higher Education and Training Minister, Blade Nzimande, announced that universities could increase fees by up to 8%.

This week the University of Limpopo joined a list of several institutions across the country where students are protesting over fees for a second week.

Students are demanding free education.

- News24.com