Two of the former “Reitz Four”, who could have continued with their studies at the University of the Free State this year, have not registered or started attending classes, their lawyer Christo Dippenaar said on Monday.
Classes at the UFS started on Monday.
New Rector Jonathan Jansen indicated in 2009 that the students, who created a furore by making a racially offensive video, could resume their studies.
Jansen’s announcement caused an uproar and the UFS decided to continue on a new process of consultations.
Dippenaar said the students felt the university’s process of consultations on the issue should be completed before they registered.
“They are nevertheless eager to go back at the appropriate time.”
Earlier it was reported that a process of restorative justice — which could mean that the prosecution of the four students on charges of crimen injuria could be dropped — had started.
A committee of three, headed by the head probation officer of social development in Bloemfontein, Riaan du Plessis, has been elected to try and resolve the matter by way of an alternative dispute resolution.
The four former students — RC Malherbe, Johnny Roberts, Schalk van der Merwe and Danie Grobler — of the now closed Reitz men’s residence, stand accused of humiliating five black staff members in an initiation-type ceremony in 2007, which they filmed.
The students and the five UFS staff members would meet for the restorative justice process on February 11 and 12. The process entails asking for, and receiving forgiveness.
Du Plessis would report back to the court before or on February 24 when the four students are scheduled to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court again. – Sapa