Stellenbosch University faces scrutiny as investigation into room ransack continues.
Image: SUPPLIED
Education activist Vanessa Le Roux recently spoke out fiercely after her son's residence room at Stellenbosch University (SU) was allegedly trashed on March 2.
The student came back from a football match to find his room in disarray. Police were called and a case was registered, but there have been no arrests, the university said.
University spokesperson Martin Viljoen said the investigation is still ongoing.
"I raised my son to be an independent thinker. To swim in his own stream, to always be kind and respectful to anyone that crosses his path.
"Also to protect his human dignity, he can make two choices in life, he can either conform, or transform, but the moment he starts to conform, he must continue to conform, and will one day wake up, not knowing who he is," Le Roux said.
According to Le Roux, the tension began at the football match where a team that her son was coaching played.
"SU confirms that an incident in the Majuba Men's Residence on the Stellenbosch Campus is being investigated by the Saps and is aware that a complaint of unlawful entry and damage to property was laid with the police," said Viljoen.
He added that the university had begun its own processes after the incident came into light.
"The university activated the necessary internal processes and is managing the situation in accordance with its protocols, including an internal investigation, and open engagements with the leadership and residents of Majuba.
"While the university condemns any incident that infringes upon the rights of others, it must also urge respect for its internal processes."
Le Roux told IOL that furniture in the student's room had been thrown about, his bed pulled out, and belongings scattered, leaving him shocked and fearful.
The ordeal left a lasting impression not only on her son but on the wider student body, she claimed.
She claimed that while the immediate damage was physical to the room, the emotional and psychological impact of the attack was equally significant.
She said that the incident was symptomatic of a broader issue on campus.
She added that for her son, what began as an ordinary day in residence quickly became a painful reminder of this imbalance.
South African Police Service (Saps) spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the matter to IOL.
"Stellenbosch police registered a burglary case for investigation following an incident on March 2, where a residential premises was broken into.
"The complainant saw that some of his furniture was taken. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet," he said.
He appealed to those who may have information to contact the authorities.
IOL News