Varsity slams intimidation

2003-05-19 18:25

Cape Town - The University of Stellenbosch on Monday denounced an intimidating letter recently sent to its vice rector Professor Russel Botman.

The letter contained a white powder and included crude and racist remarks.

The powder, which sparked an anthrax scare, had been sent for forensic tests to determine what it is.

The university's rector and vice chancellor Prof Chris Brink said the threatening tone and racist character of the letter, as well as the intimidating method used to reinforce the threat, was a form of intimidation that would not be tolerated at the university.

"The university management has, on numerous occasions, committed itself to participative management and deliberation on all aspects of the university," Brink said in a statement.

He said the university's doors were open to all interest groups who wanted to participate in constructive discussions.

"But we will not give in to threats such as these."

Brink said the university was co-operating with the police and would decide on further action pending the outcome of the investigation.

Earlier this month, the university launched an investigation into the alleged victimisation of black, gay and Jewish students by rightwing groups on campus. It also suspended the head of its Majuba residence.

A Stellenbosch police spokesperson Anton de Kock confirmed that a link with the attacks would be probed but this would be just one aspect of the investigation.

- SAPA