Two guards locked in burning building at CPUT

12 October 2016

Cape Town - Two security guards are in a stable condition after allegedly being locked in a burning building at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology's Bellville campus.

A building was also torched at the institution's Cape Town campus overnight.

CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley said at around 00:00 protesters pelted stones at the main admin building in Bellville before setting it alight.

"They also torched the security office at the main entrance to that campus. At least two vehicles were also damaged," she said.

The university laid charges of attempted murder with police after the guards were locked in the burning building.

"The guards suffered mostly smoke inhalation injuries and are now stable.  Other charges laid include public violence and malicious damage to property," said Kansley.

On Tuesday, 19 students were arrested at CPUT's Bellville, Cape Town and Mowbray campuses after clashes with police.

At the scene, students demanded that those arrested during the protest be released.

City of Cape Town fire services spokesperson Theo Lane said firefighters responded to the Bellville campus at 00:00 where three men were found inside the burning building.

"The three adults... were treated for lacerations and smoke inhalation," he said. Authorities responded to the blaze at the Cape Town campus shortly before 04:00.

"A section of the institution was alight on our arrival. Both fires have been extinguished," Lane said.

Kansley confirmed classes have been suspended and that the university was exploring  "alternative forms of tuition and assessment".

Options include online alternatives and securing off-site venues.

This article first appeared on News24, see here.