LGBTQIA+ students at North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom are relieved after the alleged perpetrator of another incident of homophobic vandalism of the campus Pride flag mural is apprehended.
On Monday, a student contacted MambaOnline with the disturbing news of the defacement of the painted wall, which Campus Pride Chairperson Thabi Radise verified. The vandalism reportedly took place overnight on Sunday.
Nazi Slogans and Symbols Scrawled on Mural
Images shared with MambaOnline show the words “Heil Hitler” and “Nazi” spray-painted across the rainbow flag, alongside a swastika and the letters “RH”.
The same letters — believed to be the vandal’s signature — also appeared during the defacement of the mural in September 2025. In that incident, the perpetrator wrote “F*ck the f*gs”.
This marks the third attack on the wall. In August 2023, vandals first scrawled over the mural with white paint. Each time, the university restored the wall, only for it to be targeted again.
Vandals also defaced Pride murals at the university’s Mahikeng campus in October last year.
Student Expresses Fear and Frustration
“When I saw that the Pride mural was vandalised, I felt annoyed and frustrated, with my first thought being ‘again’!” said the student, who asked to remain anonymous.
“Then I saw what was written and I felt very fearful. It wasn’t just a hateful slur – it felt more aggressive or maybe threatening.”
He added, “The frequency of the vandalism is concerning; it feels like the hatred for LGBTQIA+ individuals is growing.”
University Confirms Arrest
Students may, however, feel some relief after the university confirmed that authorities have identified a person allegedly behind the vandalism.
In a statement, NWU condemned the incident as “an unacceptable act that stands in direct opposition to our values and ethos.”
The university confirmed that “the alleged perpetrator responsible for this unacceptable and hateful action has been identified and apprehended”, noting that “the necessary disciplinary processes against them have already commenced and criminal charges may also follow.”
The student who reported the incident to MambaOnline called for criminal charges to be pressed against the alleged perpetrator to show the seriousness of the matter. “If criminal charges are made it might stop this from happening again,” he said.
