Inside the horrific South African university residence accused of physical abuse and emotional torment – including a ‘punishment room’, ‘urine-like’ liquids and a bizarre a capella group called ‘The Crows’

A South African university residence contains a gruesome ‘punishment room’ where men are forced to drink poisonous concoctions and be doused with ‘urine-like liquids’, reports claim.

A former first-year student at Stellenbosch University, Western Cape Province – who lived at the Wilgenhof residence in 2022 – has revealed the horrific allegations in a 23-page document, according to News24.

The whistleblower says he left last year because he was ‘terrified’ of the abuse students experienced.

He told how members of the so-called ‘Nagligte’ – meaning ‘night lights’ – served as ‘a disciplinary committee’ who ‘dressed up as medieval executioners’.

It was said that they forced young men to line up and take off their clothes.

Last month, the outlet said university employees raided two rooms in Wilgenhof, where drawings apparently depicting “male sexual assault” were found, along with a “poisonous” mixture said to cause diarrhea — and ominous black hoods.

Last year, a ‘release form’ had also been signed, which would authorize former Wilgenhof students to incite ‘boot camp-like’ exercises that could lead to ‘possible death’.

The student’s document also described a ‘Die Loop’ – meaning ‘The Run’ – which would take place on the first Tuesday of a new academic semester and would ‘punish’ students who have been given ‘crime’ notices for a range of infractions, but It is not clear which violations are involved.

On the night itself – with people selected as spectators to ensure no one from the university would notice – students were reportedly forced to perform physical tasks while being insulted and verbally abused.

The whistleblower revealed that in one incident he was pulled out of bed at 4am and held down while older students ‘poured alcohol down his throat’.

Curiously, his account also described an a cappella group called Kraaie (the Crows), who serenaded Wilgenhof members as well as “several ladies’ houses.”

The document added that ‘as the year progressed, senior members of the Kraaie randomly dropped their trousers and continued to sing semi-naked during singing sessions’.

A university insider speaks with News24 revealed that staff decided to investigate the rooms because they were concerned about the welfare of the freshers – and that the whistleblower was interviewed by staff for six hours before writing down his experiences.

A South African university residence contains a gruesome ‘punishment room’ (pictured) where men are forced to drink poisonous concoctions and doused with ‘urine-like liquids’, reports claim

South African TikToker Cool Story Bru made a video about the horrific claims, which now has more than 2.1 million views

South African TikToker Cool story Bru made a video about the horrific claims, which has now been viewed more than 2.1 million times.

In his report, the influencer also mentioned that there were “strange photos of drawings related to the initiation into the res” and “disturbing dark robes and hoods.”

He also told his followers that the home contained a “punishment room” in which “condoms, broken eggshells and writing on the walls had been used.”

MailOnline has contacted Stellenbosch University and the Wilgenhof men’s residence for comment.

Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University, told FEMAIL: ‘As Rector of this formidable institution, I would like to assure all our staff, students and parents that we are treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves within the approved policy and the practices of our institution.”

In a statement to News24A university spokesperson said: ‘Although the articles appear to highlight unacceptable practices in the home, the panel reviewing the material must be given a fair opportunity to review all material.

‘Therefore, Stellenbosch University cannot comment on the details of the items at this stage as it is now subject to a thorough review by the panel, which will advise the university on the further appropriate handling of this matter.’

He also added that the institution’s leadership remains focused on “ensuring the human dignity of all our students, and we will continue unabated to root out unacceptable practices from our campuses and homes.”

Meanwhile, Wilgenhof told the newspaper: As is often the case with historical artifacts, some of the content could potentially be offensive or misunderstood if not explained in the correct historical context.

‘We have entered into discussions with Stellenbosch University and have offered to provide the necessary historical context in this regard. However, we have not seen the archival material and therefore cannot comment comprehensively on its contents.”

According to his website Wilgenhof is ‘founded on the principles of respect, individuality, community and critical thinking, inspired by the pursuit of excellence’.