Cars torched, shop vandalised at Wits

Wits has beefed up security after four incidents this morning ahead of the university reopening.

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Johannesburg - The Witwatersrand University has beefed up security at its Braamfontein campus after fires caused damage to property on Wednesday.

Spokeswoman Sharona Patel said four incidents happened early on Wednesday as the institution prepared to resume lectures.

“Two vehicles belonging to our contractors were set alight, security personnel managed to contain the fire. A tyre was also set alight outside the Student Centre, the glass at the bookshop within the Student Centre was shattered and books set alight,” said Patel.

Another tyre was set on fire near the library. She said the fires were all extinguished before they could cause more damage.

Vice Chancellor Adam Habib condemned the incident.

“Fortunately, Campus Control was on hand to extinguish the fires with the assistance of others and no one was injured.”

“We strongly condemn these cowardly acts of violence and vandalism. Any perpetrator caught undertaking these acts will be arrested and charged,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

With lectures scheduled to resume on Wednesday, after more than 10 days of student protests, more security measures would be put in place, said Habib.

“The safety and security of our staff and students remains paramount and security reinforcements are being brought onto campus now to ensure that the university opens today without any further incidents. The police will also be on standby.”

The two-week long protests at Wits have left students divided over whether to continue with the #FessMustFall movement, following President Jacob Zuma’s announcement last Friday that there would not be tuition fee increase for 2016.

A group of students, supported by some workers at the institution vowed to continue with protests to push for free higher education and the stopping of outsourcing of staff and services at the campus.

African News Agency