POTCHEFSTROOM – A chilling incident at North-West University's (NWU) Eikenhof women's residence has ignited confusion and controversy, leaving students disturbed and AfriForum Youth demanding a full investigation. Residents reported hearing hours of what they described as terrifying, blood-curdling screams in the early hours of Sunday, 13 April, prompting questions about what truly transpired behind the residence's closed doors.
The incident, which occurred just past midnight, sparked widespread rumours among students, with many speculating that a sangoma was performing a traditional ritual within the residence.
However, NWU has dismissed these claims, asserting that their investigation found no evidence to support the presence of a sangoma or the performance of any cultural ritual. The university's stance has done little to quell the concerns of students and has drawn criticism from AfriForum Youth, who remain unconvinced by the university's explanation.
"The university’s response simply doesn’t align with what students witnessed and experienced that night. If NWU insists there was no ritual, then what exactly explains the screaming that went on for more than an hour? And what actions were taken by residence management in response?" questioned Yvonne Gerber, youth officer for AfriForum Youth.
Gerber highlighted the severity of the incident, stating that some students were so rattled by the screams that they chose not to sleep in their rooms that night, while others are now contemplating leaving the residence altogether due to fear and emotional unease.
"What’s even more troubling to the organisation is the university’s lack of engagement with those who were most directly affected. There’s a real sense that student voices are being ignored here," Gerber added.
AfriForum Youth has accused the university of being disingenuous and disrespectful towards the residents who were frightened, disturbed, and emotionally shaken by the event. "To act like nothing happened is not only disingenuous, but also disrespectful to the residents who were frightened, disturbed and emotionally shaken by the event," said Gerber.
In response to the university's handling of the incident, AfriForum Youth is now demanding the full release of NWU’s investigation report, which the university has so far declined to share publicly. The organisation believes that transparency is essential to addressing the concerns of the students and ensuring accountability.
Furthermore, AfriForum Youth is calling on the university to establish a clear and transparent policy on cultural and religious practices in student residences. The organisation argues that such a policy is necessary to protect both freedom of expression and the rights of those who may be adversely affected by certain practices.
In addition to a comprehensive policy, AfriForum Youth is advocating for proper training for residence staff on how to handle student complaints sensitively and effectively. The organisation also believes that trauma counselling should be made available to residents who need it, recognising the potential emotional impact of the incident.
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