Wits bus set alight in Braamfontein
- Wits University
Bus services run with additional security and pick-ups and drop-offs will occur within campus perimeters.
Academic programme
The academic programme will go ahead as per the academic calendar.
Incidents
There were several incidents that occurred off campus late yesterday afternoon. It started when a group of people blocked and stoned police and motorists in Braamfontein. A police van and a Rea Vaya bus were also torched. The police are investigating these incidents.
Wits bus set alight
Wits was alerted at around 21:30 that a Wits bus travelling from Esselen Street to the Education Campus was set alight on Queens Road in Parktown. Reports indicate that there were about 15 people on the bus when a fire was started on the bus by one of the passengers. The fire spread throughout the bus. Some of the passengers alerted the bus driver who stopped the bus and the passengers alighted. The emergency services were alerted and the fire was extinguished. No injuries have been reported.
We condemn these criminal acts of arson in the strongest form. These acts of violence put the lives of students and others at risk and we are working with police to track down the perpetrators so that they can be brought to book as soon as possible. Anyone with any information pertaining to this incident or any other crime should report it (even anonymously) to 072 256 7951 or call Campus Control on (011) 717-4444 or email campus.control@wits.ac.za with details.
Bus services
The bus services will run with additional security this morning. Pick-ups and drop-offs will occur within campus perimeters. Please follow @WitsServices on Twitter for details of the bus schedules.