PORT ELIZABETH - 9 ARRESTED NMMU PROTEST STUDENTS RELEASED ON BAIL AS CASE POSTPONED TO OCTOBER

Nine Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) students who were arrested following protests at the university made an appearance at the Port Elizabeth's Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

The nine, who made a brief appearance, are all facing charges of public violence and contravening the national road traffic act. One student also has an additional charge of interfering with police in the execution of their duties.

Before entering the courtroom the students were heard asking the court orderly to have the media removed from the court.

A request was put to Magistrate Shanjani Naidoo that photos of the accused not be taken.

Naidoo ruled that no photos or video recordings could be taken while court was in session.

The matter was then postponed until October 12 for further investigation. All nine students' bail conditions were extended.

Heroes' welcome

A large group of students had gathered outside the court building while waiting for proceedings to conclude. A strong police presence was also on hand.

The 100 plus group started dancing and cheering as the nine accused, branded the #NMMU9, and the rest of the student leaders came out of the court building.

The #NMMU9 were seen posing for selfies outside the court entrance with the police officers who had arrested them yesterday.

They then moved to the group of students where they were greeted with cheers.

Two buses then took the students back to NMMU's south campus.

VIA - news24.com