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Johannesburg — The University of the Witwatersrand has brought in extra security for exams after what it believes was an attempt to burn down its law library. It was a close shave for the university, which said it regarded the burning of education infrastructure as being treasonous. Two balaclava-wearing people carrying gas canisters were spotted on CCTV entering the building through an open window in the early hours of Saturday morning, Wits spokesperson, Shirona Patel, said in a statement.

Security was alerted and the gas cylinders were found and removed, but the culprits were not caught. The balaclavas also made it difficult to identify them. “We believe that the intention of the suspects was to start a fire in the Law Library,” said Patel.

“We condemn these criminal acts and call on the police to investigate swiftly and thoroughly so that the perpetrators can be brought to book as soon as possible,” she said in a statement. The extra security guards and police officers would stay on standby until exams are finished.

Johannesburg police spokesperson, Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng, confirmed the incident and said police were investigating. Earlier this week Wits said an attempt had been made by a group of about 50 to 80 workers to disrupt operations at its dining hall and the Matrix meeting area.

The university said it would use an interdict that it had already obtained to make sure exams and other activities were not disrupted. It believed this was because the workers were not happy about some of the recommendations by an Insourcing Task Team (ITT) established last year. — Sapa