I was in my residence when the trouble started. I wasn’t at the rugby match. I have seen the video, but I can’t tell you details of what happened there. All I know is that it started at the rugby, and then moved to the SRC buildings. The police were at the building and people heard gun shots and windows breaking. Then the commotion reached the hostels area and that’s when I went down.
They Beat Us up Because We Disturbed Their Rugby Game
They [the police and the white students] were specifically targeting black students. The students threw stones at the protesters from their windows and when the black students retaliated, the police shot rubber bullets.
One of my friends was shot in the face with a rubber bullet. I was shocked at what I saw. I saw a police officer throw a girl to the floor. I saw three guys beat up a friend of mine in front of me – kicking him on the floor.
The black students were being punished for defending themselves. You know, people talk about the racism here. I have white friends. And I didn’t think it was so bad, until today when I saw that white students actually beat up black students for protesting and interrupting a rugby match. I saw a white man throw a black woman to the ground.
Some of the protestors who were beaten during their disruption of the Shimlas #VarsityCup match at #UFS pic.twitter.com/9UAq97ylYf
— Earl Ryan Coetzee (@Earl_Coetzee) February 22, 2016
I wouldn’t say that I am scared right now.But let’s just say that I am going to stay indoors because I would rather not go out. You never know what could happen.
Thixo! Kuzonyiwa. RT @Sibu_MpanzaSA: Message from UFS (Bloem) SRC President: pic.twitter.com/TNEwwqRnL2
— Corcho (@__Senz) February 22, 2016
It is really sad that we have to go through this after our parents and grandparents fought for freedom. People think racism doesn’t exist, or that it they can hide it under the rug. But it exists as we have seen.
Featured image: Twitter