Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is offering a reward for information that would lead to the arrest of those behind the arson attack on a building on South campus.
In a statement Monday, NMMU said that “the latest arson attack on Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University property this weekend is viewed in the most serious light by University authorities.”
“It follows in the wake of two arson attacks in November 2016 which are still under police investigation, “said NMMU spokesperson, Zandile Mbabela.
Mbabela said “whilst the University has always maintained an open door policy to engage with student bodies around legitimate issues, even during the most trying times in late 2016, it is patently clear that there is a small group of violent individuals wishing to cause wanton destruction.”
“NMMU urgently calls on the South African Police Services to arrest the suspects at the earliest instance and for the prosecuting authorities to bring them to face justice. Arsonists have no place at a public university and they are criminals,” Mbabela said.
“The University will work closely with the police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. To this end, a reward of R50 000 (fifty thousand rands) will be given to anyone who offers information that will lead to the successful arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators,” she said.
“We therefore call on anyone with information that could lead to the successful identification and prosecution of arsonists involved in all three cases to phone Detective Sergeant Thumani on 0823030201 or 0746215039.”
“As the process is underway to find the arsonists, the University have instituted a range of additional security measures around its premises, buildings, entrances, and movement of people and vehicles, supported by high level of surveillance,” Mbabela said.
“We have also called on students and staff to report all suspicious activity to a secure hotline number 041-504-9111 that has been established specifically for this purpose. Calls will be directly fielded during office hours and those placed after hours will go to an anonymous voicemail box.”
“All information will be handled in the strictest confidence to protect sources,” she said.
