University of Zululand (UniZulu) students are currently protesting at the KwaDlangezwa campus to implore the institution to beef up security.
This comes after a spate of criminal activities at off-campus accommodation facilities.
Demonstrations reportedly began on Sunday night, with angry students saying they were fed-up with being victims of crime.
Windows were broken and tyres burned.
UniZulu Student Representative Council (SRC) president Nkosiyapha Dumisa told the publication a student was allegedly killed and others sexually harassed in their cottages last week, prompting students to embark on a demonstration to appeal for help.
A group of suspects called “amadabuka” have allegedly been terrorizing students since 2019.
Mahlase is calling on the university to take over more residences, saying that some properties owned by private landlords have raised concerns.
“The incidences where students are subjected to this harm and violence arises from those particular residences which are not under university supervision. The university must accredit more residences under its name as part of a long-term solution that must be implemented,” says Mahlase.
The University of Zululand was not immediately available for comment.
UniZulu students say the chaos currently taking place on campus was triggered by a statement issued by the university denying allegations of crime.
The university released a statement on Sunday noting “fake reports” of it doing nothing about the alleged attacks and rapes.
“The University wishes to put on record that it has adopted a zero tolerance approach towards violence and criminal behvaviour.”
UniZulu said it had enlisted police and public order policing members to follow up on all crime incidents.
The institution explained it had no legal authority to police beyond its premises, and has sourced additional accommodation off campus from service providers.
The university also said KwaDlangezwa has been identified as a crime hotspot, with students being seen as “easy prey”.
“The University objects the fake news from faceless individuals.”
Dumisa said a meeting was due to take place with university management on Monday, to discuss how to find resolutions.