“Given the seriousness of these acts, management has initiated an investigation through analysis of CCTV footage and will then institute disciplinary and criminal action against all students found to have been involved,” the executive management committee said in a statement on Wednesday.

It was probing damage to property, incitement of violence, and unauthorised protests. The institution condemned information circulated to staff and students that staff contracts had been terminated.

“Management is aware of contradictory information circulated to staff and students, namely alleged termination of contracts, misuse of the official letterhead of the office of the vice chancellor, and forged signatures. This, unfortunately, proves the extent of the criminality involved,” it said.

Last Thursday, the VUT suspended academic activities and ordered students to vacate residences following three days of protests.
The institution said the Student Representative Council led an unauthorised protest.

SRC president, Ian Chauke, said students were unhappy with how management was handling issues raised since September last year, including the safety of students on campus and the insourcing of security guards.

-News24.com