UCT confirms attack on private security staff

20 October 2016

The University of Cape Town confirms that two private security guards were brutally attacked on upper campus on 19 October 2016. One was beaten up by a group of protesters near the food court. The other had a rock dropped on his head from an upper storey of the Steve Biko Student’s Union building. It is reported that he is in hospital in a serious condition.

Initial reports on the incidents indicate that these attacks were unprovoked and deliberate but Campus Protection Services and the SA Police Service (SAPS) are investigating both incidents. Both security guards sustained significant injuries and had to be admitted to hospital. The SAPS is investigating charges of assault with the intention of doing grievous bodily harm.

We appeal to anyone with information on these incidents to contact SAPS directly or phone Campus Protection Services on 021 650 2222.

UCT utterly condemns these attacks and all other forms of violence by any person, including throwing of dustbins, invasion of buildings, threatening and assaulting staff and students, and malicious damage to property. Any person who is identified as committing any unlawful acts on UCT property will face legal charges and, if they are UCT students or staff, disciplinary action. 

Statement issued by UCT Communication and Marketing Department, 20 October 2016