Rhodes University has confirmed that police are investigating a link between the fire at the university and a student who allegedly ingested petrol and tried to set himself alight at a petrol station on Tuesday 27 May.
Rhodes University has confirmed that police are investigating a link between the fire at the university and a student who allegedly ingested petrol and tried to set himself alight at a petrol station on Tuesday 27 May.
The third-year student was admitted to Settler's Hospital and later transferred to a Port Elizabeth hospital.
The university has confirmed that there might be a link between the fire incident and newspaper reports suggesting that the third-year student had been involved in a fight with a female Rhodes student, leading up to him setting the building alight.
The student allegedly went on to an African Street garage where he allegedly drank the petrol and tried to set himself alight, according to the reports.
In a statement released by university's Media Relations Officer, Zamuxolo Matiwane, he said the third-year student, who appeared to have ingested petrol, was admitted to hospital on Thursday 29 May.
"The student was admitted to Settlers Hospital and later transferred to Livingstone Hospital in Port Elizabeth for further observation and assessment. His Warden remained at his side until he was transferred to Livingstone," he said.
Matiwane said an internal investigation had revealed that the hospitalisation of the student may be linked to the fire which started at the Rhodes Pool Club (the Purple Horse) in the Steve Biko Building in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
He said the possible link between the fire and the student hospitalisation is currently being investigated by the university.
Police spokesperson, Captain Mali Govender, yesterday dismissed as rumours, information that the person who started the fire had been caught.
Matiwane said the student’s family was informed of the situation immediately by the manager of the student wellness department.
"A general meeting of all students in his residence was also held on Tuesday evening to reassure students and to ensure that anyone who might need counselling following the event receives support," Matiwane added.
Grahamstown police continue to investigate a case of arson.
Security guards who were at the scene on Tuesday afternoon told Grocott's Mail they were instructed not to let anyone into the building.
Govender said the building was vacant at the time.
