NEWS TEAM
Muzi Damani Gwebu, who was assaulted at the University of the Free State, allegedly by two white students, claims this is not the first time he has suffered racial abuse at the Bloemfontein campus.
Gwebu alleges that in 2010 he was also assaulted and the university tried to sweep the matter under the carpet. Gwebu was allegedly side-swiped by a bakkie while walking on the campus on Monday evening. He then followed the vehicle and approached the two occupants, one of whom allegedly assaulted him.
Cobus Muller and Charl Blom appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court this afternoon. They are facing charges of attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving and leaving the scene of an accident. They’ll be back in court on April 9.
Gwebu remembers the incident clearly.
One of the alleged perpetrators hails from Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal, as does Gwebu.
The South African Students Congress has accused Free State University of trying to cover up an incident.
Sasco chairperson, Bongani Zwane, says the university lied about treating Gwebu’s injuries. He says since Gwebu’s story came to light, they’ve received numerous calls from other students claiming they too have been victims of racism on campus.
Zwane says Rector Jonathan Jansen lied yesterday when he said the two culprits have been expelled.
Rudi Buys, the university’s dean of student affairs, however denies Sasco’s claims.
