POLOKWANE – A fire that broke out on Sunday at the College of Africa’s Turfloop campus has left several students without accommodation after a large portion of a residence building was gutted by flames.

While some students believe a gas stove may have sparked the blaze, police have confirmed that they are investigating a case of arson, and no official cause has yet been determined.

Videos of the fire, which destroyed personal belongings and displaced many students, went viral on social media.

https://twitter.com/KabeloMohlah02/status/1942094160913133632

Campus director Fhulu Mukhwevho confirmed that no injuries were reported among students or staff. He added that affected students were safely accommodated, while many others were already on recess, with only engineering students still on campus at the time.

“We are thankful there were no casualties, and emergency protocols were followed. The academic section of the campus remains unaffected,” said Mukhwevho.

Local authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage as the investigation unfolds.

The cause of the fire is expected to be clarified once forensic and fire inspection teams complete their report.