Reports of student leader injured at Wits University today
The South African Police Services (SAPS) is looking into the matter of an alleged shooting of a female student leader at the Wits University campus. There are various media reports claiming that the student was injured on the Wits campus when police members responded to reports by campus security of disruptions of exams.
The Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane, accordingly directed that the facts be established; including the circumstances which led to the incident and the extent of the injuries sustained.
The Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Deliwe De Lange, was dispatched to the hospital to visit the injured student and she confirmed that injuries had been sustained.
The matter will be referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for investigation purposes. Any police officer found to have contravened the law will be dealt with accordingly. We wish the injured student a speedy recovery.
Members of the SAPS are once again called upon to exercise maximum restraint and to act within the confines of the law. Our approach and management of the situation around campuses must be characterised by discipline and the proportional use of force.
The SAPS has noted with concern that, despite efforts made by all involved, unruly elements continue to disrupt classes and examinations, destroy university infrastructure and conduct themselves so as to provoke the police. We again call on all concerned to act lawfully and to allow those who so choose, to complete the academic year.
Enquiries:
Brigadier Sally de Beer
Cell: 082 779 8658
