UJ arson attack: Damage costs as high as R100m
Police are investigating a case of arson after a building was burnt to the ground at the University of Johannesburg today.
The Sanlam Auditorium on the Kingsway Campus was torched during a protest earlier today. A study centre as well as some computer labs were also destroyed.
Authorities say the cost of the damage is estimated at R100-million. Academic programmes were also disrupted.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Mpho Letlape said those found responsible wil be brought to book.
"These arsonists will be found and they will be jailed. We will do everything in our power, and in cooperation with authorities, to track them down and to prosecute them and to send them to prison for as long as we can," Letlape said.
Police are yet to identify suspects in connection with the attack.
Mad University of Johannesburg auditorium gutted in #UJFire arson attack. R100-million student dreams up in flames 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vNd5AgkKVy
— Ulrich J van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) May 16, 2016
#UJFire the statement by management.
— Maryke Vermaak (@MarykeVermaak) May 16, 2016
MV pic.twitter.com/DAJ1Vfin3h
#UJFire Pictures from outside the auditorium.
— Maryke Vermaak (@MarykeVermaak) May 16, 2016
MV pic.twitter.com/3DvPnmwwvo
A fire at UJ started by protesters. Came to varsity to this devastating news. #UJFire pic.twitter.com/zuNNFf1Hws
— Amber (@AmberSurviving) May 16, 2016
Just so you get a feel of what happened this morning @mediauj @Ujfm #UJFire pic.twitter.com/CZuPJfuDqO
— Xiletelo Mabasa (@SHEleteloMabasa) May 16, 2016
Auditorium burnt down this morning. The E Labs were also affected. Everything is gone #UJFire pic.twitter.com/iFJ8rVh111
— Xiletelo Mabasa (@SHEleteloMabasa) May 16, 2016