The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, MP, is deeply disturbed by the reported racist attack on Dumane Gwebu, a student at the University of Free State.

Mr Dumane Gwebu is reported to have been driven over while walking on the pavement and later assaulted by Cobus Muller and Charles Blom, who are students in the same institution. This led to Mr Gwebu’s hospitalisation.

This follows an earlier incident where an attempt to drive over three female black students was made by the same culprits on the same day. An altercation ensued; “kaffir” and other derogatory, racist remarks were hurled.

The suspects briefly appeared in court today on charges of attempted murder and assault. The case will now be heard on 9 April 2014 at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court.

“We are strongly opposed to any form of racism and violent initiation practices that continue unabated in some of our institutions of higher learning. If these reports are indeed true, we are sending out a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.”

“Higher education institutions should demonstrate a resolve to tackle these and accelerate the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Ministerial Committee on transformation and social cohesion and the elimination of discrimination in public higher education institutions”, added the Minister.

“We have written to the University of Free State to be furnished with a detailed account of what transpired, the action taken by the University and intended corrective measures”, concluded the Minister.