Dear members, colleagues and partners, 16 students were arrested at the University of Pretoria in the early hours of Monday morning. One of our exco members, our Secretary General Naledi Masiteng, is one of the 16 #UPFMF cadres who was arrested. According to UP Fees Must Fall, the details are as follows: "Students from the University of Pretoria were holding a memorial service for the late UJ student, Kelvin Baloyi, just outside the Prospect Street Entrance. We were seated singing struggle songs peacefully when police arrived and cornered us. The SAPS used their intimidation tactics and further threatened us with live ammunition and peppered sprayed us hence we posted video footage showing our comrades entering the Nyala peacefully, the police also pepper sprayed us inside the vehicle, although it is unclear why. The 16 comrades have been charged with contravention of an interdict (which was not served to any of us) and involvement in an illegal gathering." We as AUSA, believe in and support each Individuals right to their convictions, their right to peaceful protest, and their right not to be unfairly targeted for acting and walking in line with such beliefs and convictions. Henceforth, we would like to appeal to you to contribute whatever you can to the bail fund for the #UP16. It is estimated that a total of R20 000 is needed for bail for Naledi and the collective #UP16 whose names are listed below. If you wish to contribute, all contributions and donations can be made to: Bank: FNB ACC Name: UP Fees Must Fall ACC NO: 62643105978 Branch: Hatfield Branch Code: 252-145 If you are unable to contribute financially but would still like to lend your support, kindly note that the #UP16 will be appearing in court at 9am today at the Pta Magistrate Court. Your support and assistance for our fellow students and colleagues at this time would be much appreciated. Thank you.
