THE management of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has released a statement, strongly condemning the wanton acts of violence, intimidation and destruction of property, perpetuated by groups of students on their campuses.
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On Wednesday, 19 February, an emeritus professor was assaulted at the Westville campus.
“We are working closely with SAPS to identify and apprehend the suspects. Management has been in contact with the professor and is providing him with support and counselling,” read the statement.
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In the course of this week, valuable university property was set alight, and a number of students and staff were also intimidated at lecture venues.
UKZN westville students aren't serious uncle Joshua just wants to to work pic.twitter.com/dfMLa4dnQz
— idlozi lakini (@TheKleev) February 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/Mlungisi_N2/status/1230194397435846657
UKZN management said they implore the perpetrators of these crimes to stop.
“Violence is not the solution to the challenges we are facing. This behaviour is only making matters worse. University management genuinely cares for financially disadvantaged students and is making every effort to help clear historic debt to enable affected students to register.”
In the statement, UKZN continued to say that the management is working on various fundraising initiatives and is continuously in talks with student leadership and other relevant stakeholders.
“The closing date for registration has also been extended to 6 March 2020 to assist both students and management in this regard.
“We need all students to be patient and allow time and space for a resolution to this matter. More than 80 per cent of the student population have registered to date. Every effort is being made to ensure that students do not lose valuable teaching time and are also protected from any acts of violence and intimidation.”
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UKZN said the safety and security of students and staff is of paramount importance.
University security staff, SAPS, and Public Order Policing have been working day and night to bolster safety and security measures.
“All incidents of assault, destruction of property, intimidation and arson are being investigated. The perpetrators will be apprehended and handed over to SAPS for prosecution.
“University management is doing everything possible to resolve matters, put a stop to the violence and intimidation, and ensure that there are no further interruptions to the academic programme,” said UKZN management.
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