Rhodes University was hit by its second tragedy this month when the body of a student was found hanging from a hockey goal-post on the campus in Grahamstown on Saturday, police said on Sunday.
Captain Nomazi Nkombisa said the body of a fifth-year Polish-born student, Konrad Kulesza (23), was found hanging by a belt at the university’s main sports ground.
Nkombisa said Kulesza might have hanged himself in the early hours of Saturday. A suicide note was not found. Kulesza’s body was discovered by fellow student, Kenneth King, just after midnight. Rhodes vice-chancellor, David Woods, said Kulesza had tried to take his life about a month ago by driving his car into the Drostdy Arch at the top of High Street. He received treatment for four weeks at Fort England, a psychiatric hospital.
”I understand he was given a leave of absence to spend the weekend at home,” said Woods.
The university has informed his mother and brother living in Warsaw. His brother will be coming to South Africa and the university will hold a memorial service. Kulesza had already obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree and was studying history and economics as extra credits.
Earlier this month, the murder of journalism student Tumi Manyadioane (22) of Zimbabwe sent shockwaves through the university. Her former boyfriend, Joseph Makuvaro (27) has been charged with her murder. – Sapa