The police are continuing their investigation, including on the Kleve campus, where divers were once again deployed on 17 July 2024 to recover evidence from the Spoy Canal. The police have also confirmed that both the perpetrator and the victim are students at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences and had been involved in a dispute. The details of the dispute are still being investigated in greater depth. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the incident was politically motivated or relationship-related. The victim was discharged from hospital on Friday.
“We are very pleased to hear that the victim is on the road to recovery. We are in contact with him and wish him all the best,” says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Kisters (Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer), speaking on behalf of the University President. This incident has deeply affected students and staff at the university. Kisters emphasises: “Our university is a place for study, teaching and research. Controversies should be purely academic in nature. We condemn the use of violence in the strongest possible terms.”
The university promptly provided affected students and staff with information on support services. “In this difficult situation, I would like to thank all members of the university community for their prudent conduct. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the excellent cooperation with the investigating authorities and the police’s victim protection officer,” said the Vice-President.
A violent incident took place on 10 July 2024 in Building 6 on the Kleve campus of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. During an altercation between two people, one person was injured and had to be treated by first-aiders from the university and the emergency services, who had been alerted. One person has been injured; according to the police, the injuries are not life-threatening. “We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts are with the victim and those who witnessed or were affected by the incident,” says Prof. Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen, President of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
The Faculty of Technology and Bionics building was evacuated and remained closed until the evening. Although the perpetrator remains at large, the police say there is no longer any immediate danger. The suspect is known to the investigating authorities and the search for him is ongoing. The police are investigating the case as one of causing grievous bodily harm and have also taken charge of communications regarding the incident.
A joint press release from the Krefeld and Kleve police forces and the Kleve Public Prosecutor’s Office states: During an altercation between two men in a building at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences on 10 July 2024 at around 2.20 pm, one person was seriously injured. The 24-year-old was taken to hospital by ambulance with stab and cut wounds. His life was never in danger. The suspect is on the run. The police search is ongoing. The Krefeld Criminal Investigation Department, together with the Kleve District Police Authority, has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and its background.
The building has since been reopened. The police have already highlighted how effectively they worked with the Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ emergency response team. “On behalf of the university, I would like to thank all the emergency services at the scene, who responded very quickly, comprehensively and competently. I would also like to thank our first-aiders, the evacuation team, the student welfare officers and all other staff and students who acted with great prudence in this situation,” said the university president. He emphasised: “All the measures put in place by the university for such an emergency have been effective. The campus is safe.”
