The University of the Free State (UFS) has confirmed the deployment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) across its three campuses in response to an alleged renewed threat of protest action. The campuses involved are the Bloemfontein Campus, South Campus, and the Qwaqwa Campus.
According to the university, the request for police presence was made following the identification of heightened mobilisation on social media. The university stated that posts on these platforms suggested that specific groups intended to disrupt normal university operations.
The potential protests are linked to ongoing student concerns, including students’ historical debt, challenges with funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and the recent termination of provisional registration from 2026.
In a related development, members of the Public Order Police Unit in Bloemfontein arrested five male students on charges of public violence. The arrest occurred at approximately 10:00 on the grounds of the university’s Nelson Mandela Drive – Park West campus in Bloemfontein.
Police reported that the students, aged between 18 and 22, were arrested for throwing stones at police vehicles that were on patrol at the university.
The South African Police Service has stated that they continue to conduct patrols in and around all UFS campus premises to maintain order.
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