In the first incident, a final-year Bachelor of Education student at the Mahikeng campus was expelled following a disciplinary hearing. The disciplinary committee ruled that the student was guilty of assaulting staff members and destruction of university property.

NWU Director: Corporate Communication, Louis Jacobs, told OFM news that in the early hours of March 6, a small group of students at the Mahikeng campus gathered at the main entrance of the university to protest in support of the national shutdown call.

He said the students caused complete mayhem that prevented staff and other students from accessing or exiting the campus.

Jacobs adds the protesters assaulted staff and vandalised property. The assault resulted in the hospitalisation of two members of the university's protection services.

In the second incident, two members of the Vanderbijlpark Campus Student Campus Council were also expelled, after their disciplinary hearing was concluded.

Both members were found guilty for their actions during February 2021. They were found guilty of involvement in the university's business activities with third parties, involving owners of private accommodation. Their request for appeal has been denied.

Speaking to OFM news this morning, Jacobs said the vandalism of property at the Mahikeng campus will cost an estimated R300 000.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng