UJ obtains interdict after arson attack

17 May 2016 - 15:26 By Julia Madibogo

The University of Johannesburg has obtained an urgent court interdict following an arson attack that caused an estimated R100 million damage to its Sanlam Auditorium on Monday. The university applied for the interdict at the South Gauteng High court on Monday afternoon to stop any students or workers from protesting at or near the universities four campuses.University spokesman Herman Esterhuizen confirmed on Tuesday that the interdict stops any form of grouping at UJ's residences‚ libraries‚ lecture venues‚ laboratories and any buildings operated‚ owned or managed by the university including off-campus accommodation."The University has obtained an urgent court order to ensure the safety and security of all its stakeholders and property in the wake of recent acts of arson and wanton behaviour on its campuses‚" Esterhuizen said. He said the High Court order is binding until 31 May 2016 when respondents will have an opportunity to show cause why the interim relief should not be made final. The court order also prohibits obstructing or preventing students‚ staff and visitors from entering and exiting the University‚ disrupting of classes and exams‚ carrying out acts or threats of violence against and causing damage to UJ property service providers among others.An estimated R100m of damage was done when the university's 1‚000-seater auditorium was torched at around 2am on Monday morning.The university on Monday said the culprits involved are not UJ students. No arrests have been made yet...

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