In the statement, the Council reiterated its view that the recent assassinations of Vesele and Roets as well as the attempted assassination on the institution’s Vice Chancellor (VC),  Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.

According to the Council, they maintain that it could be linked to the what they have described as “determined clean-up mechanisms instituted by management to root out malfeasance”. 

Mr Mboneli Vesele, the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive Protection Officer, was killed in what has been described as an attempt to assassinate the VC of Fort Hare University.

Prior to his death, Mr Petrus Roets, who was the University’s Fleet Manager was also killed earlier in the year. 

Despite this efforts to reduce progress, the University managed to receive a clean audit in the 2021 financial year, but moreover approved a series of clean up policies in the past two years. 

With all the gains that the institution has made, the Council has expressed its concern of safety adding that executive management and senior staff are increasingly being intimidated and threatened with violence”. 

The Council further called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that arrests are made and that the renewal project at the institution is secured.