THE Durban University of Technology Vice-Chancellor, Thandwa Mthembu has refuted claims made by the student representative council (SRC) of negligence in regards to safety and security at the institution.
This follows an urgent meeting that was called by the SRC on Monday condemning the institution for not providing necessary video footage of the recent killing of student Sandile Ndlovu.
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The first year engineering student was brutally stubbed in the head two weeks ago by unknown criminals who made their way into one of the lecture rooms at the Steve Biko Campus (on 9 September).
Family spokesperson, Tshepo Mokoena shared the news on social media that Ndlovu was on life support due to extensive brain damage.
The 18-year-old died last Saturday morning.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, in the Vice Chancellor boardroom, Mthembu said the allegations that the university had not provided video footage of the incident that resulted in the violent and criminal attack on Ndlovu were not true.
“There is video footage showing Sandile and other students around the library entrance walking up and down from the lecture venue, however, there is no CCTV recording of the actual attack inside the lecture venue.”
Mthembu said the video footage was handed over to the Berea SAPS as evidence and all the information was explained to the Ndlovu family and the SRC.
“The university has also provided the SAPS with additional and useful information on the identities of the student’s movements around the lecture hall and library. In fact, on the basis of all the information we have, the prime suspects in this case, so far, could only be our fellow students,” said Mthembu.
“The university has not hindered the investigation and has been open and honest with both the family of Sandile’s and with the police investigators,” he added.
Deputy Vice Chancellor Isaac Machi said the security system had been beefed up to protect the students and staff.
“We have installed more light at the library and the surroundings of the institution, tighten security and made sure that all the CCTV cameras are working and maintained,” he said.
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