The Limkokwing University has resolved to suspend the members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) for two weeks until March 29th, following the outbreak of riots at the university.
A group of students led by the SRC went on a rampage around the campus, after the Department of Student Placement and Welfare failed to deposit stationery allowance in their accounts.
The students went as far as forcing the halting of lectures, verbally and physically abusing other students and intimidating university staff.
The Public Relations Manager, Mercy Thebe, said that the students’ unruly behavior also disturbed corporate visitors from Lapologa/Gazette and privately sponsored and international students who were not concerned with whatever had provoked the unrest.
“This has tarnished the image of the university,” she said.
Limkokwing management has expressed disappointment at the developments, and the Botswana Police Service has been roped in to help with investigations.
“Management is disappointed by the behavior displayed by the students on Friday, and will not entertain such acts of hooliganism and thuggery on campus, whether from the general student community or their representatives now and in the near future,” she said.
She added that punitive measures await anyone that harbours intentions of using violence in a place of intelligence to disrupt the business of the university.
Thebe has advised students and their representatives to put their education first and make sure that they make informed choices while at the university. She added that the university assures all students, staff, parents and other stakeholders that the promotion of discipline amongst students is a key component of their learning and education, and remains a priority of the university. The university has resumed normal business, and measures have been put in place to ensure safety for both students and staff.
