Hillbrow Police have confirmed that officers will be placed at strategic positions around Wits University in order to protect the university from attempted arson attacks.
This follows an attempted burning of the Wits Law Library, which was foiled in the early hours of 28 May.
Hillbrow Police spokesperson Sergeant Mduduzi Zondo said that a case of malicious damage to property had been opened at the station, police were still investigating the number of suspects, and no arrests have been made yet.
Attempt to burn down #Wits library: Let's hope the culprits are arrested, charged, convicted & punished. #NoToViolence @WitsUniversity
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 29, 2016
Just In: Wits University confirms there were attempts to torch law library https://t.co/tdk0Rhgkar pic.twitter.com/is83owZpQC
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 28, 2016
Arsonists target Wits Law Library
Two unidentified men allegedly attempted to burn down the Law Library at Wits University.
A statement from the senior executive team stated, “Two suspects carrying gas canisters entered the Law Library through an open window. They were wearing balaclavas, which makes it difficult to identify the suspects. We believe that the intention of the suspects was to start a fire in the Law Library.”
Security was alerted and the gas canisters were found and removed from the library before any damage was done.
“The university believes that this was a deliberate attempt to burn down the building and the university is working with the police to track down the perpetrators. We condemn these criminal acts and call on the police to investigate swiftly and thoroughly so that the perpetrators can be brought to book as soon as possible,” the statement continued.
Additional security has been arranged to better protect the university’s staff, students and property. The police will also maintain a presence on the campuses until further notice and will remain on standby throughout the upcoming exam period.
“Our safety and security is also our collective responsibility and it is incumbent on us to share any information that will lead to the arrest of these suspects. Anyone harbouring or assisting criminals even through withholding information should know that they are complicit in these crimes. The burning of education infrastructure is treasonous and it requires our collective courage to expose those who commit these dastardly acts,” the statement added.
Anyone with information is to contact Campus Control on 011 717 4444 or 011 717 6666.
Related article: UJ condemns series of criminal acts directed at the institution
