The University of Witwatersrand has beefed up security after two suspects placed gas canisters in the university’s Law Library on 28 May in an apparent attempt to burn down the facility.
This comes after a building at the University of Johannesburg’s Kingsway campus was burnt down earlier this month.
Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel said the 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,” she said.
“We believe that the intention of the suspects was to start a fire in the Law Library. Security was alerted and the gas cylinders were found and removed from the library. Police were summoned and a case has been opened at the Hillbrow Police Station. 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.”
Patel added that the safety and security of staff, students and property remained paramount and additional security had been deployed at strategic points on campuses. The university also confirmed that police would maintain a presence on campuses until further notice and will remain on standby throughout the examination period.
She said safety and security was a collective responsibility and it was incumbent on anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of these suspects to come forward.
“The burning of education infrastructure is treasonous and it requires our collective courage to expose those who commit these dastardly acts.”
Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Campus Control
Details: Campus Control 011 717 4444; 011 717 6666.
