The Joburg High Court this morning dismissed an urgent application by two Wits law students who wanted to bar the institution from evacuating students from residences in the wake of the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
Wits this week gave students 72 hours to leave their residences after a medicine student tested positive for the deadly Coronavirus and President Cyril Ramaphosa ordering social distancing in an effort to curb the spread of the disease during his address on Sunday.
The two students, Lerato Moela and Matsobane Shaun Mathlwana, brought an urgent application against Wits University vice-chancellor Adam Habib and dean of students Jerome September to stop them from evacuating students from residences.
However the court ruled that the two students and all other students should comply with the directive.
Wits in a statement said it was pleased with the judgement and felt vindicated that its decision was based on scientific evidence.
“We are very disappointed with the applicants and others who have tried to undermine the effective management of this pandemic. Their behavior is self-indulgent and reckless, and contrary to the advice of leading scientists in the country,” Wits said.
“Moreover, we are aware that this action was in part inspired by political machinations and we remain concerned that such conduct could undermine our country’s fight against the pandemic.”
All South African universities have opted to take an early Easter recess as the virus alters the way of life in the country.
📢 VERDICT:Court dismisses students' case & urges all students to comply with Wits University's #Coronavirus directives.
The High Court (Gauteng Local Division, Joburg) dismissed the urgent application brought by 2 students to extend the period for the evacuation of residences. pic.twitter.com/5xNbblhquo
— Wits University (@WitsUniversity) March 19, 2020
