Students at the University of Fort Hare in Alice have taken drastic measures to prevent exams from going ahead, by burning down the university’s exam hall. Reports suggest that a group of students went amok and vandalised university property on the night before exams were scheduled to start.
According to police reports, a total of twelve students were arrested on charges of malicious damage to property and burglary business. The University examination hall was slightly damaged and furniture was removed and torched just outside the hall.
The group of students then went on to damage several surveillance camera systems and loot the institution’s cafeteria, causing further damage to university property.
The University of Fort Hare has been forced to postpone examinations due to the incident. It is believed that the mayhem was sparked by an internal dispute about examinations.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the arrested suspects will appear in court tomorrow. “The suspects aged between 19 and 22 are due to appear at Alice Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 06 June 2023 on charges of malicious damage to property and housebreaking and theft (business premises),” said Nkohli.
The incident has prompted outrage from the university community, who have condemned the actions of those responsible. The university authorities have vowed to take strict action against anyone found to be involved in the incident.
Some students say they are disappointed that they have to wait for another date to write exams since they were ready to write.