UJ forced to move graduation after arson

The University of Johannesburg will have to use an alternative venue for an upcoming graduation ceremony after arsonists caused damage estimated at R100 million to its auditorium.

Johannesburg - University of Johannesburg deputy vice-chancellor, Mpho Letlape addressed the media following the arson attack on the auditorium, which was renovated last year.

She said damages caused by the fire amounted to R100 million.

“This was not the work of the majority of UJ students, instead the arsonists who have cause massive damages to the university structure are a disappearing minority,” she said.

She insisted that this “minority” were unable to mobilise support from the other 52 000 students.

Letlape said the graduation ceremony which was supposed to take place at the 1000 seater venue would have to be moved due to the extent of the damage.

Despite an official statement by the university claiming the auditorium was fire bombed, Letlape said she could not be certain that this was the case.

In the statement, vice-chancellor, Professor Ihron Rensburg said the university's security services and police were reviewing video footage and interviewing potential witnesses.

“We will do everything in our power and in cooperation with the authories to track these track these criminals down, prosecute them, and send them to prison for as long as possible,” he said.

IOL MOJO