Two guard houses and a hostel recreation room were damaged in continued arson attacks at the Mafikeng campus of the North West University, a university spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Louis Jacobs said it was believed that four people were arrested during Monday night’s incidents, in which arsonists damaged various buildings as well as a vehicle belonging to the university.
Jacobs said the university had appointed a security company to ensure that an environment conducive to teaching and learning was maintained.
”Of the utmost importance is not only securing university property, but also to ensure that intimidation is limited, thus ensuring that students who want to attend classes can do so in a non-violent atmosphere,” he said in a statement.
Campus management issued a notice on Monday afternoon informing all staff and students that the campus would remain open for academic activities. Measures had been put in place to ensure strict access control to keep unwanted elements off the campus.
Jacobs said police were also monitoring the situation and continuing their investigation into the arson attacks.
Mafikeng campus rector, Professor Dan Kgwadi, also made an urgent appeal to all staff and students to return to classes in an effort to save the academic year. — Sapa