The entrance gate to the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) was blocked by a group of students this morning. The group stoned private security guards, entered the campus, vandalised and looted property, and assaulted staff and students on campus.
Two students were arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and more have been identified; the necessary disciplinary action will be taken, and immediate suspensions will be instituted. Similarly, the SAPS will institute criminal charges against those who have been identified.
The university management has ordered an urgent investigation into today's incident and condemns the destructive behaviour of the group. This behaviour is not viewed as protest action, but as criminal acts.
Any violence and criminal acts against staff and students and the disruption of academic activities are condemned in the strongest terms.
The academic programme on the Qwaqwa Campus continues, mostly online for this week, and students will be informed by their faculties about the revised schedule, as well as arrangements regarding tests and assessments scheduled on the campus for this week.
The campus remains open; the university's Protection Services is on high alert and is monitoring the situation on campus closely.
Issued by:
Lacea Loader
Director: Communication and Marketing
University of the Free State
23 February 2022