Rhodes student found hanged

2003-05-26 09:33

Grahamstown - Rhodes University was hit by its second tragedy this month when the body of a student was found hanging from a hockey goalpost in Grahamstown, police said on Sunday.

Captain Nomazi Nkombisa said the body of a fifth-year Polish-born student Konrad Kulesza, 23, was found hanging from a belt at the university's main sportsground.

Nkombisa said Kulesza might have hanged himself in the early hours of Saturday. There was no suicide note.

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.

Brother coming to SA for service

"I understand he was given a leave of absence to spend the weekend at home," said Woods.

The university has told his mother and brother living in Warsaw. His brother will come to South Africa and the university for a memorial service.

Kulesza had already attained 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