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Westville campus oval residence closed due to building concerns
The leadership of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has expressed outrage at what it called the “cowardly and random burning of The Oval student residence on the Westville campus.”
“This is the same building that was closed due to major concerns with the condition of the building. Campus security and police were alerted after the flames were detected in the early hours today. Fortunately, no one was injured, ”UKZN said in a statement.
“It hurts me and I do not understand how a future leader of this country can commit such an act of criminality in an institution of higher education.”
President of SRC Sifiso Simelane
SRC President Sifiso Simelane joined the university in strongly condemning the incident and disassociated himself from it.
“No one in their sober mental state has the right to destroy property and discredit the name of our University. It hurts me and I do not understand how a future leader of this country can commit such a criminal act in an institution of higher education, the good reputation of the University will be tarnished as a result of this act and this will impact the prospects of employability for all our graduates . This will jeopardize the future of all other innocent and well-behaved students who are interested in completing their grades and moving into the world of work, ”Simelane said in a statement.
He implored the students responsible for the vandalism to “do the right thing” and turn themselves in to the police so that the law could take its course.
The university said the damage could well cost millions of rand, which UKZN has not given the rampant destruction and earlier violence that engulfed the institution.
“We have called for a forensic investigation into the matter, and those responsible will be brought to trial,” said Professor Nana Poku, Vice Chancellor.
Three weeks ago, the management of the University informed all those interested that the decision had been made to close the Oval Residence indefinitely. This was a necessary risk mitigation measure to ensure the safety of the students.
“This ruthless act of destruction affects us all and points to the fact that we are still facing an onslaught of criminal activists determined to destroy our University. Ironically, this act of vandalism comes as the University begins our campaign back to campus in earnest under the level 1 lockdown and with the full support and participation of all stakeholders, including our staff and students, ”he added.
A case of arson has been opened with the South African Police Services (SAPS). Our internal investigators are working closely with SAPS to ensure that all perpetrators of this horrific act are brought to justice.
