Staff Reporter
A preliminary report released by the police after two buildings went up in flames at the University of the Free State (UFS) QwaQwa campus on Monday night has suggested the fire could have been deliberately started by students.
A statement released by university spokesperson Lacea Loader on Tuesday says the preliminary findings into an urgent investigation conducted by the police and the institution’s protection services unit indicates the two buildings were intentionally set alight.
“Since the outbreak of the fire, one person – who is a registered student – has been arrested by SAPS, and a process is underway to identify more suspects,” read part of the statement.
“The UFS will institute the necessary disciplinary action against suspects who are registered students.
“Similarly, criminal charges will also be instituted.”
The buildings, which housed the campus clinic and a computer laboratory, were almost completely destroyed, with damage to both buildings estimated at R35 million.
UFS rector and vice-chancellor Professor Francis Petersen is quoted in the statement condemning the destructive and criminal behaviour of the students.
“The QwaQwa campus, as well as the entire university community, are shocked by this devastating and irresponsible act – especially after the campus experienced violent protest action this year, which significantly affected the academic programme,” said Petersen.
The academic programme on the Qwaqwa campus continues, mostly online for this week, and students will be informed by their faculties about the revised schedule, as well as arrangements regarding tests and assessments scheduled for this week on the campus.
The campus remains open and the university’s protection services unit is said to be on high alert, closely monitoring the situation.
It is alleged that students were unhappy about the payment of allowances they are due to receive from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in April 2022.
The university says to alleviate this, it has offered students allowances for food and books amounting to more than R71 million while awaiting NSFAS to release the student allowances.