Parties welcome Maties probe

2003-05-05 15:50

Cape Town - Political parties on Monday welcomed an investigation launched by Stellenbosch University authorities into the alleged victimisation of black, gay and Jewish students by rightwing vigilante groups.

Those guilty of such appalling behaviour should face the full force of the law where crimes had been committed, and severe disciplinary action from the university, the Democratic Alliance's leader of the opposition and education spokesperson in the Western Cape legislature Helen Zille said in a statement.

Zille was reacting to a weekend newspaper report in which one student claimed his hostel door had been kicked open. He told the newspaper that rotten food and human faeces had been smeared onto his hostel room door.

"I believe the attack was definitely homophobic, because they didn't like my lifestyle," the student who declined to be identified told the paper.

According to the paper another student, Yvonne Malan, had her hostel door kicked in and received hate mail after she refused to attend a Christian prayer meeting.

Zille said all students should enjoy the same rights to study in a secure environment, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.

The Western Cape Education MEC, Andre Gaum, condemned the incidents at the university.

"We cannot allow a situation where the rights of students are violated by a select few who do not adhere to and clearly do not respect the values of freedom and democracy embedded in our constitution."

Gaum said he supported the university's appointment of senior official Letitia Snyman to investigate vigilante activities.

The report was expected to be completed by the end of the week, according to university vice-rector Russel Botman.

"If we find anybody involved in any of these vigilante attacks for whatever reason, that person will be dealt with by the university," Botman said.

- SAPA