South African student protesters again seek to disrupt

Students from the University of Cape Town protest for free education by disrupting classes in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. The University of Cape Town re-opened Monday after closing because of security concerns, but police were on campus and used a stun grenade to disperse protesters outside a university building. Another building was evacuated because of vandalism by protesters who tossed sewage in the corridors, said the statement. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (The Associated Press)

A policeman puts his hand outside his van while providing security at the University of Cape Town, as students protest for free education by disrupting classes in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. The University of Cape Town re-opened Monday after closing because of security concerns, but police were on campus and used a stun grenade to disperse protesters outside a university building. Another building was evacuated because of vandalism by protesters who tossed sewage in the corridors, said the statement. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (The Associated Press)

Students from the University of Cape Town gather as they take part in a protest for free education by disrupting classes in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. The University of Cape Town re-opened Monday after closing because of security concerns, but police were on campus and used a stun grenade to disperse protesters outside a university building. Another building was evacuated because of vandalism by protesters who tossed sewage in the corridors, said the statement. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (The Associated Press)

Several South African universities have reported violent protests by demonstrators who are persisting in efforts to disrupt classes as part of a campaign for free education.

The University of Cape Town and Rhodes University in the city of Grahamstown are among institutions that reported Tuesday on alleged vandalism and stone-throwing by protesters.

The University of Cape Town says there have been many reports of confrontations between protesters, people who oppose the disruptions, and private security guards on campus. It says police have also been involved, setting off two stun grenades and a smoke grenade to disperse protesters.

Protests have been held on numerous South African campuses since last month. While there is widespread support for the goal of free education, many students also want to complete their studies.