Stellenbosch University has been struck by a double tragedy in a matter of days following confirmation of the death of a student who drowned in a dam.
Fatally stabbed
The unnamed 19-year-old first-year BSc student drowned over the weekend days, just days after another first-year BSc student was fatally stabbed in a street robbery.
Stellenbosch University confirmed that the student, from the Dagbreek men’s residence, drowned on Sunday in the Welgevallen irrigation dam above the Coetzenburg Sports Grounds.
“The matter is under investigation by the SAPS. SU will support the SAPS investigation and take whatever steps required to ensure the safety of its students,” said spokesperson Martin Viljoen.
Stellenbosch police reportedly responded to the incident on Sunday around 17:00.
“Provincial divers recovered the body of a 19-year-old male student [on Monday morning]. An inquest docket has been registered for further investigation,” said police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana.
“The news about the tragic loss of another young life is deeply saddening to the university community,” said deputy vice-chancellor of learning and teaching Prof Deresh Ramjugernath.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and classmates of the deceased during this time of mourning. May they garner strength in this difficult time knowing they have the support of the SU community.”
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Meanwhile, as reported by The South African website, the teenager who has been accused of fatally attacking first year Stellenbosch student Jesse Mitchell appeared in court on Monday this week.
In the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court, the teenager, identified as Rudolf Hufke, abandoned his bail application.
Hufke reportedly attacked Mitchell after taking possession of his bicycle, phone and backpack.
After the robbery, Mitchell was stabbed in the neck on Borcherd Street in Stellenbosch Central.
The magistrate granted media representatives permission to take photos of the accused.
Hufke is set to remain in custody until Wednesday, 27 November, while the case is further investigated.
Meanwhile, another three suspects were arrested in relation to the attack last week and the trio is set to appear in court once charged.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Students in need of counselling are encouraged to contact the university’s 24-hour Crisis Service at 010 205 3032 after hours and 021 808 4994 during office hours.
