They may have had violent confrontations with students‚ fired rubber bullets‚ stun grenades‚ and at times roughly handled students during arrests‚ but many police officers fully support the Fees Must Fall campaign. Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) spokesman Richard Mamabolo said all members in their provinces — during their provincial executive committee meetings — affirmed their support for the campaign. "Most police officers know for a fact that on salaries they earn they would not be able to take their children through tertiary education. They cannot even afford to buy bonded houses. The struggle of students is fully supported by members." Mamabolo said police clashes with students were a result of a few elements bent on destroying property and police action in violent protests was to protect protesters. "Police are required to act when any protest becomes violent. There is no contradiction there. "Police support the students’ campaign, but they do not support acts ...

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