Rhodes University Protests: Students Allegedly Shot At And Arrested Near Graduation Venue

Police allegedly opened fire on protesting students near the Rhodes University campus in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, on Friday, with several students reportedly arrested as the graduation ceremony continued.

Students were reportedly protesting at a graduation venue when security officials, believed by protesters to be police, intervened.

Multiple sources said shots were fired as students attempted to flee the area. One protester said that students scattered after the shooting, while others were allegedly dragged into police vans.

Another student claimed the confrontation happened in front of graduation guests, even as the ceremony continued inside the venue.

SurgeZirc SA has not independently verified the videos circulating online, and the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting remain unclear.

Videos show students fleeing as police move in

Footage shared on social media appears to show smoke in the area as students run in different directions.

In one video, a student appears to fall before being picked up by police. Two other students can be seen being escorted towards a police van.

Other videos circulating online appear to show more students being placed inside police vehicles.

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A campus news alert reportedly said shots were fired at around 8.45am, describing some of the gunfire as warning shots and alleging that students were also targeted.

“Two students were arrested, and the number is consistently increasing.

“The police are currently chasing students down from the monument while the graduation ceremony continues inside.”

The alert said the number of students who had been injured or arrested was not immediately known.

Uncertainty over ammunition used

A later campus alert reportedly said police had called for reinforcements as tensions escalated.

It was also unclear whether police had used rubber bullets or live ammunition.

Images purportedly taken at the scene appear to show rubber bullet casings.

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The university had not publicly commented on the incident at the time of publication.

SurgeZirc SA has also sought comment from police regarding the alleged shooting, arrests and the type of ammunition used. The police response will be added once received.

Community group seeks release of arrested students

Local non-profit organisation Grahamstown Deserves Better said it was engaging with police over the release of students who had allegedly been arrested.

The organisation also said it was working to secure legal assistance for those detained.

“We urge the community not to panic and not to gather at the police station at this time, as this may complicate negotiations.

“We are doing everything possible to get the situation under control and to ensure the safety of our children.”

The number of students arrested or injured remains unclear.

Further details are expected once police and Rhodes University respond to the allegations.