University investigates ‘sponsored anarchy’ after looting chaos

Loading player...
“Surprising”, “perplexing” and “sponsored anarchy” are just some of the words being associated with the violent protest at the University of Fort Hare on Sunday night.

Twelve students aged between 19 and 22, were arrested on charges of malicious damage to property and burglary after parts of the institution’s indoor sports centre was torched and its cafeteria looted.

It is believed the mayhem started after an internal dispute about examinations.

In Behind The Herald Headlines with Daron Mann this week, we speak to university spokesperson JP Roodt about what is going on at the institution. “We are not going to rule out what we are looking into, what we call possible sponsored anarchy and sponsored violence,” Roodt says.

“There is a lot happening at the university as you probably know.

“First, there’s a case going on in court where the alleged murderers of university staff are in front of the courts including individuals who launched a failed assassination attempt on the vice-chancellor earlier this year at his residence in Alice.”

Have a listen:
7 Jun 2023 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Nelson Mandela Bay's polluted rivers under the spotlight

A recent report tabled at a public health committee meeting showed that four rivers in Nelson Mandela Bay had elevated levels of bacterial pollutants. The report was compiled from 359 samples taken between September and December. In this week’s Behind The Herald Headlines with Daron Mann, we chat with DA…
28 Feb 13 min

The Herald Cycle Tour from the saddle

Nearly 3,000 riders participated in The Herald Cycle Tour this year, split over two events — the mountain bike and road races. Recognised as one of the heavyweight cycling events of SA, the tour is rated by many as one of the top classics on the sporting calendar, among other…
20 Feb 8 min

Poaching of talented school pupils in the spotlight

Pressure to be the best and secure top honours in school sport has led to poaching. In Behind The Herald Headlines with Daron Mann this week, he chats to Hannes Nienaber, who is responsible for written content at SuperSport Schools. Under discussion is the latest incident at top public schools in…
13 Feb 13 min

How EP rugby is preparing for new season

The EP rugby team have been hard at work on the training field and will have a camp this weekend in preparation for their opening game. In Behind The Herald Headlines with Daron Mann this week, he chats to new EP Elephants rugby coach Allister Coetzee who says he is happy…
6 Feb 13 min

What’s really going on in the DRC

The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo which claimed the lives of SA soldiers is likely to escalate. That’s political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast speaking in the wake of the death of 13 soldiers killed in fighting with M23 rebels in the DRC. The SA troops are in Congo as…
29 Jan 15 min