A Wits student has been suspended in connection with the attempted arson of the Wits Law Library earlier this year. Two former students have also been issued with cease and desist notices in order to prvent them from accessing the campus.
This development follows months of investigation by the university together with the South African Police Services (SAPS).
In a statement issued a short while ago, the university said the actions were taken against three students “who we believe were intent on burning down the Wits Law Library earlier this year”. The university did not name any of the students involved. Additionally, the statement read, “in the interests of protecting our staff and students and based on the evidence at hand, we were left with no option but to suspend the student and to bar the two former students believed to be involved in this criminal act. It would be irresponsible for us to do otherwise.”
At the end of May this year two students were caught climbing through a window in the law library carrying gas canisters. Security was alerted and the gas cannisters were removed although no suspects were identified as they were reported to be wearing balaclavas at the time.
The university opened a case of arson with the Hillbrow Police Station and as a result of the incident, security on campus was increased at key areas.