Double assault probed at University of Limpopo

Acts of violence and intimidation allegedly occasioned by members of the student body of the University of Limpopo (UL) are being investigated following last week’s reported disruptions accompanying strike action. An altercation on Friday led to the alleged attack of two lecturers, one a member of the Senate, by scores of youth which the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in turn labelled partly as an assault on the party-affiliated Student Representative Council (SRC) President.
In response to demands raised by the SRC in a memorandum to the management of the institution, Vice-Chancellor Mahlo Mokgalong stated on Tuesday that management was highly disturbed by acts of violence occasioned by certain members of the student body. “It has been widely reported that students and staff were intimidated, assaulted and forced out of their offices. These matters are currently being investigated and swift action would definitely be taken against those found with such transgressions.”
The nine issues raised included a National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allocation increment, mechanisms of in-sourcing, the status of the multi-purpose centre on campus, the installation of free wi-fi in all residences, temporary student accommodation and prices charged in the cafeteria.
While the status quo has seemingly been reinstated, a riot squad would have been present on campus until yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon to monitor the situation in conjunction with the campus security component.
According to information the two lecturers attached to the Geology Department of the university were allegedly attacked in the hallway and an office on Friday after a small group of aggravated young people returned with reinforcements to follow up on an initial demand to the senior of the two lecturers to leave the offices.
The group of an estimated 50-strong individuals who all apparently wore EFF regalia of sorts, allegedly launched a sudden physical attack on the two men, sources said. The blows and kicking allegedly continued for almost half an hour during which the victims would have attempted to fight off their attackers. One of the lecturers, a member of the Senate of UL, seemingly lost consciousness after allegedly being hit on the back of the head with a piece of wood. After being accompanied out of the building by campus security one of the lecturers was reportedly attacked with a metal dust bin amid death threats hurled at them, it was learnt.
When approached for comment on the allegations that the attackers were linked to the EFF due to their brandishing of party apparel, EFF Provincial Secretary Jossey Buthane said the group had defended themselves when attacked by some racist lecturers on campus. Buthane mentioned that the SRC President, identified as Sam Tladi, had been assaulted with a stapler during the altercation.
“Somebody is trying to sugar coat a point.” He referred to it as the second incident in which “a few white people” wanted to physically attack students when wanting to raise issues with them. He advised that the teaching staff and university management looked into the matter properly, “otherwise it will be black on white violence”.
UL Spokesperson DK Mohuba told Polo­kwane Observer that they did not regard the action as a strike, but minimal disruption of activities that had been immediately restored to normality.
According to him classes had been disrupted for a very short period. After the disruptions on Friday they had decided to close the university for the day, he explained. Mohuba said security had been upped on Monday to ensure that students were protected while pursuing academic activity.
The riot squad of a service provider deployed on campus would possibly have been observing the situation in conjunction with the campus security component until yesterday afternoon, he said.
They had instructed security personnel to investigate the altercation that ensued and based on statements they should have determined by the end of the week what course of action to take, according to Mohuba. To the best of his knowledge it has been the first incident of its kind that occurred in that division, he said. Mohuba explained a similar altercation in the School of Law three weeks ago was under investigation and should be finalised at the end of the week.

Story: YOLANDE NEL
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