Stellenbosch University's (SU) Campus Security Service, together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has sharpened its vigilance and security procedures on SU campuses after hidden petrol bombs were found on the Stellenbosch campus. On Tuesday night (11 October 2016), Campus Security and the SAPS rushed to the Engineering Faculty after an unsuccessful attempt to toss a petrol bomb through a window.

"In the midst of national protest action, SU has to manage an extremely difficult situation, but it is a challenge we are facing up to with determination and commitment," SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers said.

"The protection of University property is complicated due to our open and spread-out campus in Stellenbosch, with more than 40 buildings – each with multiple points of entry. However, we are determined to ensure that the vast majority of our students complete their academic year and can write their final exams without disruptions."

Prof De Villiers confirmed the University's commitment to financially support poor and working-class students, but strongly denounced the violence, disruptions of classes, intimidation of staff and students and attempts to set buildings alight.

"It is sad to see that some of our own students used their student cards to give protestors a chance to damage buildings, and to deprive their fellow students from academic opportunities . It is also sad that protesting students, some of whom are bursary holders, got involved in assault and inciting others under the guise of participation in a national campaign for free higher education," Prof De Villiers said.

"Students involved in activities of this kind are putting their future at risk. Today's 'protest heroes' on social media could possibly face unintended negative consequences when they apply for work one day."

In accordance with SU's Student Disciplinary Code, 12 students have been suspended, pending the outcome of a disciplinary process. The suspensions relate to their involvement in assault and/ or actions prohibiting fellow students from participating in academic activities. Four students were arrested by die SAPS during protest action on Monday.

SU accepts protest action provided it does not disrupt the academic project, does not threaten the safety of students and staff or university property, and does not infringe on the rights of students to study.

"We will not hesitate to start disciplinary proceedings and/ or take legal action against criminal activities. At the moment, we are focusing on completing the academic year, but in the meantime our investigations and disciplinary processes are continuing. Suspects have already been identified, also for involvement in petrol bombs," Prof De Villiers said.