'Black Hand' behind threats
2003-05-16 22:22
Stellenbosch - "The Black Hand will appear and get you!"
This was written in the letter which had staff members in the management office block at the University of Stellenbosch running around in circles on Thusday.
The police confirmed that a possible link exists between the letter addressed to prof Russell Botman, vice-rector (tuition) and his investigation into the Majuba men's hostel.
Charges of intimidation have been laid.
Botman heads the university's disciplinary investigation into the incident on April 23 when two residents were assaulted by three attackers.
They identified themselves as the MIA (Majuba Internal Alliance). Their names are known to university officials.
The letter delivered to the management offices said it contained anthrax.
It caused widespread mayhem in the building and some staff members were locked in the building for hours on Thursday. Some of them went to work on Friday with great trepidation.
The letter to Botman was apparently laced with "crude language and racist remarks".
The letter apparently referred several times to "kaffers who want to take over" and contains several threats against Botman and the university.
The "Black Hand" will supposedly be responsible for reprisals against the University of Stellenbosch.
Captain Anton de Kock, spokesperson for Stellenbosch police, says the contents of the letter will not be divulged.
He confirmed that the letter "contains racial remarks".
De Kock says "it has not been verified what the white powder in the envelope is.
The envelope was sealed by forensic experts and we are still waiting for the results."
"Plice are viewing the incident in a very serious light. Several matters are being investigated.
"If this is a joke, it's a very sick one. No one carries out a joke of this nature, especially not in the times we live in", he said.
The university declined to comment.
Majuba prepares for battle
Meanwhile,the committee of the Majuba men's residence is apparently busy putting together a formidable legal team following the attack on two residents.
Majuba residents and the entire committee are being investigated after the attack on April 23.
Die Burger was told that several attorneys and legal experts, some of them former Majuba residents, have contacted the committee to offer their services.
Although the entire residence committee and the in-house head have been suspended temporarily, the committee is apparently still in control.