Murder raises concern over campus security
The gruesome murder of University of Pretoria’s maintenance manager Johan de Beer on the Hatfield campus on Wednesday, has prompted the union Solidariteit to call for an increase in security for both students and employees.
Grave concern about the violent manner in which University of Pretoria (UP) maintenance manager Johan de Beer had allegedly been murdered on campus this week, was expressed by the trade union Solidariteit – prompting the union to question security at the university.
According to Solidariteit spokesperson Johan Botha, the death of the 64-yer-old former lecturer and member of the union, was heart-wrenching.
“The incident also once again creates great concern about the general safety at university campuses all over the country,” Botha said.
De Beer’s body was discovered in a toilet cubicle at the Musaion building at the UP with a plastic bag tied around his head.
He had disappeared on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after withdrawing money from an ATM on campus.
His body was later discovered by security personnel. The deceased’s hands were tied behind his back.
Evidence of shoe scuff marks at the scene indicated a struggle.
According to Botha, Solidariteit will urgently enter into discussions with UP management about the incident.
“We will urge management to urgently increase security on campus. As a union, high value is placed on the safety of our members at their places of work,” Botha said.
The union also called on police to complete their investigation into the murder of De Beer as soon as possible.
Brooklyn police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said a murder was being investigated.
According to a statement issued by UP spokesperson Anna-Rheta Bouwer, the university was shocked and saddened by the incident.
She added that the university’s internal investigation into De Beer’s death would continue after the police had completed their investigation.
De Beer is survived by his wife, Coosie, son Rohan, daughter Jaconett and one grandchild.
Botha said the union had already been in contact with De Beer’s widow.
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