Watch: #Witsonfire

Skhumbuzo Tuswa has uploaded a series of videos to YouTube showing #Witsonfire last night.

According to EWN, Wits University confirmed that a number of fires were set at its Braamfontein campus last night.

Reports on Wednesday morning said at least two cars and a bookshop were set alight in the early morning. Smaller fires were reported to have been started around the campus later on.

This despite the student protest being called off after university and student representatives had consented to academic and other activities resume on Wednesday as a framework of future talks had been agreed to.

Security at the university has been beefed up with guards stationed at the entrances and main intersections in the university.

Spokesperson Shirona Patel was quoted by EWN as saying that the fires were started using tyres.

“There was one outside the law library, but fortunately our sprinklers extinguished that one. We had a tyre burning outside a bookshop in the student centre. Some of the books were taken out and they tried to burn those. But fortunately we got to it in time.”

Currently students are divided over whether to restart classes, according to a previous report, after the university released a nine point plan for dealing with their demands. 

Behind Wits East Campus Bus Stop

Wits Campus Control Extinguishing Bakkie

Suspected arsonists still at scene

East Campus Matrix Book Store Set Alight

People have largely condemned the fires on Twitter.

How will the fees fall when you're burning your varsity? funds will now be spent on "damage control" and not on free education #WitsOnFire

— Simni (@Simni89) October 28, 2015

#WitsOnFire. Now we know who burnt Mobile toilets at the Union Buildings

— Zwelly Innocent (@Zwelly_f) October 28, 2015

Im all 4 students fighting 4 what is right, but burning varsity property will solve absolutely nothing. #witsonfirepic.twitter.com/DYt9NfEAC2

— Sibusiso D. Mthembu (@SbuNoah) October 28, 2015

The University of the Witwatersrand on Wednesday (Wits) issued a threat to protesting students following the overnight fires.

“Dear Staff and Students‚” a statement read‚ “We draw your attention to Section 1 of the Trespass Act of 1959.”

“The university…hereby revokes its permission for any person who: blockades entrances and exits to the university; blocks lifts and stairwells; otherwise prevents the proper functioning of the university; or engages in any activity of a similar nature to enter or be present on the university's property‚” the statement said.

It followed this with a caution all in capitals: “YOU ARE REQUIRED TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE AND DESIST FROM ENGAGING IN THE CONDUCT REFERRED TO ABOVE. IF THIS CONDUCT PERSISTS THE UNIVERSITY WILL TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTION.”

Necessary action‚ Wits says‚ could include reporting “these incidents to the South African National Prosecuting Authority”.