Stellenbosch University admin building torched

[caption id="attachment_135069" align="alignright" width="300"] Callers to Cape Talk on Friday morning reported that the administration building had been petrol-bombed. File photo
Image by: ERHARDT THIEL[/caption]

Stellenbosch University has opened a case of “arson and damage to property” following an attack on the campus on Thursday night.

The university announced via Twitter - Stellenbosch Univ ‏@StellenboschUni – that the case was opened with the South African Police Service “after events at Admin B last night”.

No other details were given‚ and the tweet said: Full info to follow.”

Callers to Cape Talk on Friday morning reported that the administration building had been petrol-bombed.

On Wednesday‚ the Student Representative Council protested against colonial symbols at the university as well as outsourcing.

Just before midnight on Wednesday‚ protesters - 32 dismissed workers of external service providers and 20 students - vacated the Ou Hoofgebou (Old Main Building) “after being served with a letter advising them that they were occupying the building unlawfully”‚ the university said.

This led to the management having to alternative venues for Thursday's classes.

“Disruptions of this nature are unacceptable‚” the university said.

"Despite the latest wave of protest action in which dismissed workers of external service providers seem to be playing a key role‚ the university remains committed to the full implementation of the agreement reached with workers of external service providers at the end of November 2015‚" chief operating officer Professor Van Huyssteen said.

"The university is determined to move ahead with transformation‚ and we would like to make a strong appeal to all stakeholders to join hands and work together through constructive engagement. At the same time‚ we have a responsibility to protect the university's staff‚ students and property."