Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi (UNIMA) has been temporarily closed following fire accident that consumed one of the hostels at the campus.

Acting Registrar Madam Chilinde confirmed of the closure in a statement released on Tuesday made available to Faceofmalawi.

“Due to the fire that gutted down Nyika Hostel this afternoon Management has resolved that the college be closed temporarily until a temporary solution is identified. As such all students are requested to leave the campus by 6pm,” reads in part the statement.

While the cause of the fire is not officially confirmed by any authority, some say it was started after police fired a teargas canister in the hostel which later blasted while others say it was due to electricity faults.

On Tuesday morning the students rioted against what they dub as dwindling security in their hostels as there have been a lot of robbery cases in the recent days.

The students also want management to get rid of MM Security Company which they accuse of incompetency.