The Stellenbosch urination case, which saw one student reportedly urinate on another black student’s belongings – including his laptop – over the weekend at one of the University’s residences, has seen mixed reactions from the victim himself.
Initially, it was reported that Babalo Ndwayana, the first year victim, was choosing forgiveness, as per a News24 interview.
“He’s also someone’s child and the and the way [they] feel about what’s happening to me… This thing also traumatised him,” explained Ndwayana.
However, the tables seem to have turned on Ndwayana’s position, possibly due to pressure from the public who are largely pressing for Theuns du Toit (the accused) to be expelled through a petition that has amassed over 63 000 signatures at the time of this article’s writing.
Ndwayana is now choosing to seek justice. According to multiple recent reports, the student has opened a criminal case against the accused.
In an interview with eNCA, Ndwayana says that he’s still processing the whole thing, and confirmed that he had filmed the incident. He expressed that the accused was drunk, and noted that he didn’t believe anything racially motivated had been said, but wants expulsion to take place.
In a different interview with EWN, Ndwayana is recorded as saying that the person who broke into his room had said “it’s a white boy thing.” This sentiment was also expressed to SowetanLive.
In terms of criminal charges, the victim expresses that he wants the accused “behind bars for breaking in my room and violating my rights,” as per the video interview with eNCA.
In terms of Ndwayana changing his mind in terms on how to proceed, the interviewer acknowledges the conflicting reports on Ndwayana’s position.
According to TimesLive, Ndwayana had laid three charges: breaking and entering, malicious damage to property and racism.
Meanwhile, a statement shared to Cape {town} Etc by Stellenbosch University, the University reaffirmed its condemnation of “any form of racism or intolerant behaviour based on race or any other prejudice.
It alluded to another case at Stellenbosch whereby racist remarks were allegedly made toward a female student at the Law Dance last week. It expressed that university authorities are in discussions to figure out more information, whilst offering assistance in reporting the matter to the University’s Equality Unit and counselling services.
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Petition to expel Stellenbosch urinator suprasses 50 000 signatures
Picture: Twitter/@insightfactor