Pretoria – The North West University Mafikeng Campus has been closed indefinitely following widespread fire damage to buildings on the campus.
University spokesperson Koos Degenaar said the incident started on Wednesday morning, where the newly appointed Campus Student Representative Council (CSRC) was inaugurated.
However, just before proceedings started, a group of students, allegedly from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) student command and supporters of the dissolved CSRC, started to disrupt the event.
Degenaar said the initial demonstrations started outside Great Hall, after which they proceeded inside and disrupted the event by singing and shouting while speakers were addressing the students.
“After the event, the suspended CSRC President, Linda (Benz) Mabengwane, arrived on campus and addressed a group of students. Security deployed on campus then dispersed the crowd, which led to clashes between them and students.
“Security had to use teargas and rubber bullets to get the situation under control. The students were pelting security with stones, which led to further reactions by them,” Degenaar said.
Later, the situation flared up again and incidents were reported where students set fire to a motorcycle belonging to a staff member as well as a trailer belonging to the security company. It was also reported that the staff cafeteria was looted.
“Students went on to set fire to various buildings on the campus. The administration building was the main target. This building was completely destroyed, along with all official records. Damages are estimated to run into millions of rands,” said Degenaar.
He reported that arrests have apparently been made, but no formal account could be given in this regard at the time. Degenaar also noted that rumours, which have been spread about a student being killed as a result of the intervention by security, are untrue.
“It is, however, suspected that students were hurt during the clashes with security, but no confirmed information in this regard is available at this stage,” said Degenaar.
Students were advised to leave the campus immediately for their own safety and return home, as it is likely to take time to restore operations. Students will be given at least a month’s notice of the reopening of the campus. – SAnews.gov.za
