Quick action by a security guard meant damage to the Rhodes University administration building in a suspected arson attack early this morning Saturday 1 October 2016 was limited to telecommunication and electrical cables.
Quick action by a security guard meant damage to the Rhodes University administration building in a suspected arson attack early this morning Saturday 1 October 2016 was limited to telecommunication and electrical cables.
Police have confirmed that a case of arson and damage to infrastructure has been opened following fire damage to a section of the university’s administration block.
The University’s Communications and Advancement Division said the fire had been started at a basement entrance on the south wall of the main administration building, using a flammable substance.
Damage to electrical and communication lines had resulted in these services not being available in that area of the building, the University said in a statement issued on an internal mailing list.
Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said, “At approximately 4.10am today a security officer on patrol noticed fire to the building. He managed to douse the fire before it spread further.
“Details of what caused this incident is being investigated.Telkom cables as well as power lines have been damaged. No arrests have been made.”
The South African Police Service and the Makana Fire Department were at the scene. The University confirmed that a case of arson has been opened.
“The University condemns all forms of violence, arson and the destruction of property, and will cooperate with investigators to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
A person at the scene who did not want to be named because he doesn’t have permission to speak to the media said it appeared that the damage had tripped the circuit breaker. A section of the main building was reportedly still off late this afternoon.
