Admin
12 Feb, 2026
Force on campus: SAPS and private security move on NMU students in a crisis that was foreseeable
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply concerned by developments at Nelson Mandela University, where both private security personnel and members of the South African Police Service have reportedly been deployed to disperse protesting students using water cannons, stun grenades and paintball rounds. The videos circulating on social media are alarming. The sight of private security advancing in formation, supported by SAPS, creates the perception of a militarised response in what should be a space of learning and engagement. Two issues must be addressed clearly. First, the role of private security. Private security companies are contracted to protect property and maintain campus safety. They are not public order policing units. If private contractors were authorised to deploy crowd control weaponry, serious questions arise about oversight, rules of engagement and accountability. Who authorised their mandate? What protocols governed their conduct? Were they acting independently, or under instruction from management or SAPS? Second, the involvement of SAPS. The police carry a constitutional responsibility to maintain public order. However, the threshold for deploying stun grenades and water cannons against students must be exceptionally high. What was the threat assessment? Were lives at immediate risk? Were alternative de-escalation measures attempted before force was used? The UDM has repeatedly warned that the risk of unrest during registration periods remains high due to perennial and unresolved challenges, including accommodation shortages, funding delays and administrative bottlenecks. These pressures build year after year. When they are not addressed proactively and transparently, the likelihood of confrontation increases significantly. What we are witnessing now is not an isolated event but part of a pattern that should have been anticipated and mitigated through better planning and engagement. The combination of private security and state policing in a campus protest environment risks blurring lines of authority and responsibility. When force is used, clarity on command structures and accountability becomes essential. If criminal acts were committed, they must be dealt with lawfully. But the public is entitled to know what specific conduct justified a response of this magnitude. Transparency is not optional in circumstances where young people may have been placed at risk. The UDM calls for: 1. A joint public briefing by university management and SAPS explaining the chain of command, the authorisation process and the justification for the level of force deployed. 2. Confirmation of injuries, if any, and details of medical and psychological support offered to affected students. 3. A clear outline of the protocols governing private security involvement in crowd control situations on campuses. 4. Immediate re-establishment of structured dialogue between management and recognised student leadership. We also call on students to remain calm, to act responsibly and to ensure that their protests remain peaceful and within the bounds of the law. Legitimate grievances must not be undermined by actions that place lives at risk or damage property. Reasoned engagement strengthens the cause. Escalation weakens it. South Africa’s higher education institutions are already navigating deep systemic pressures. Escalation through visible force risks entrenching mistrust and instability. Our campuses must remain spaces of safety, dialogue and democratic engagement. Accountability from both private security contractors and law enforcement authorities is now essential to restore calm and public confidence.
Admin
21 Oct, 2025
CPUT: campuses are no safe haven, as another student is raped
Statement by Lucia Matomane, UDESMO Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson The United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) is dismayed and angered by the alleged rape of a 23-year-old female student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Observatory residence. It is unacceptable that such a violent crime could be committed against a student in an environment meant for learning and personal growth. No student should ever feel unsafe or be sexually targeted in a space that is supposed to nurture their future. UDESMO extends its heartfelt sympathies to the victim, her family, and the wider CPUT student community during this deeply distressing time. Sexual violence has no place in our society, and least of all on our university campuses. It is especially troubling that this incident has occurred so close to the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and driving action against the very crimes we continue to witness. Sadly, this case is one of many in a country where gender-based violence remains one of South Africa’s most urgent human rights crises, marked by shocking levels of abuse, rape, and femicide. It has been reported that a 24-year-old male student has been arrested in connection with the incident and has already appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court. We understand that the case has been postponed to 27 October for a formal bail application. UDESMO commends the courage of the CPUT students who have peacefully taken to the streets to demand justice and accountability. Their actions reflect the growing frustration of young South Africans who continue to feel unsafe and unheard.
Admin
16 May, 2017
Avoidable WSU violence takes a life
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the strongest terms condemns the destructive behaviour of some Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students. The reported fight between WSU medical students and the fatal stabbing of a final year medical student, Lwando Mantshontsho, is shocking and seems quite senseless; it is difficult to grasp what has happened. Parents send their children to university in the hope that they will live and learn in a safe environment, yet they are exposed to danger from fellow students. This is not acceptable. Judging our students by this behaviour, forces us to doubt the quality of the future leaders of this country. WSU students have long complained about lack of security on campus and not much has been done. How many more students and/or staff must be injured and lives lost before action is taken. We call upon all the stakeholders involved to take rapid action. University management must prioritise campus safety so that staff and students can work in an environment conducive to learning. The UDM hopes harsh sentences will be meted out against those found guilty and that it will be a lesson to other criminals in the making. Justice must take its course as our society does not deserve such people. Our condolences to the family and friends of young Lwando. We also wish speedy recovery to those in hospital Issued by: UDM Secretary General Mr Bongani Msomi
