All Walter Sisulu campuses have been closed until further notice.
This follows ongoing protest action, allegedly by students, which left four SAPS members injured, one hospitalised and a police Nyala destroyed.
All students living in residences on campuses were instructed to leave by 4 pm on Monday.
Vice-Chancellor for WSU Professor Rushiella Songca says they have been engaging with student leadership over the last few weeks and have resolved most of their grievances with others getting urgent attention.
She says, unfortunately, despite these efforts, students and/or political formations have continued to destroy University property at their campus in Mthatha.
Prof Songca says this has put the lives of WSU staff and students in danger.
The National Police Commissioner General Khehla Sitole has now called upon the Provincial Commissioner to mobilize a 72-hour activation plan to bring the culprits to book.
National Police Spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo says the two police officers attached to the POPS unit in Qonce (formerly King Williams Town) managed to jump to safety moments before a Nyala was set alight and burst into flames.
He says as part of the activation plan police will mobilize critical resources and expertise to gather intelligence and evidence to find those responsible for undermining the authority of the State.
Brigadier Naidoo says affected members have been offered psychological support following the incident.
A case of malicious damage to property and assault is being investigated.
