Statement on burnt bus at Wits

18 February 2016 

The University confirms that a bus was set alight just after 11pm last night outside the Knockando Halls of Residence in Rockridge Road in Parktown (see Wits Vuvuzela report).

A bus was set alight just after 11pm last night outside the Knockando Halls of Residence in Rockridge Road in Parktown. Emergency services put out the fire. No one was hurt but the bus has been destroyed. No suspects have yet been identified.

The University strongly condemns this malicious damage of property and we will do whatever we can to bring the culprits responsible for this incident to book, in line with the University’s policies and procedures, and the law.

This act is a direct violation of the court interdict obtained by the University. Should the individuals be identified and if they are students, they will be suspended from the Wits campus immediately.

Additional security officers have once again been deployed throughout campus to ensure that the University’s staff, students and property remain safe.  

These acts divert much needed resources that we require for accommodation, food and academic resources to support and serve our students, particularly those who are poor. We, as a University community, need to collectively act against these criminals – we must identify them and exclude them from our community immediately.

We have opened a case at the Parkview Police Station and we are appealing to anyone with information that may help the investigation to report to Campus Control in person or to call 011 717-4444 or 011 717-6666.  

Concerned staff, students and parents, and anyone who requires support, should please call CCDU on 011 717-9140 or 011 717-9132. Staff members are welcome to speak to their respective line managers who will elevate any concerning issues as appropriate.  

Senior Executive Team

Statement issued by Wits University, 18 February 2016