Update:
The Stellenbosch University leadership team responded to questions posed by Cape {town} Etc with regard to the fatal stabbing of a first-year student.
‘The Stellenbosch University (SU) community learnt with shock and sadness of a student that has succumbed to stab wounds sustained during the early hours of yesterday morning. The motive for the attack that took place off-campus in Stellenbosch, forms part of an investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).’
‘It is the University’s understanding that a person has been detained in connection with the case. SU will support the SAPS investigation.’
‘The loss of a precious young life, especially under such tragic circumstances, always comes as a great shock to the University community,’ says Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching.
‘Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and classmates at this extremely difficult moment of loss. We wish them all the strength during this difficult period of grieving and would like them to know that they have the support of the SU community.’
Professor Ramjugernath was in contact with the family and expressed the University’s condolences.
Students in need of counselling are encouraged to contact the University’s 24-hour Crisis Service on 010 205 3032 after hours and 021 808 4994 during office hours.
Professor Ramjugernath also called on the community to provide the student’s family and friends with the space and time to deal with this painful and tragic loss.
A first-year student from Stellenbosch University has been tragically killed following a stabbing incident in the early hours of Wednesday, 16 October 2024, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Western Cape thrives at Best of Wine Tourism Awards
The incident occurred on Borcherd Road in Stellenbosch, sending shockwaves through the university community.
Cape {town} Etc reached out to the South African Police Service (SAPS), who confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old male in connection with the student’s death.
‘We can confirm that a 19-year-old male was arrested on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, in connection with the death of the student. He will appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court once charged with murder,’ said SAPS.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg provided further details about the ongoing investigation, stating, ‘Stellenbosch police are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of an unknown man in Borcherds Street during the early hours of Wednesday, 16 October 2024.’
‘Police responded to a report of a murder, and upon arrival, officers found the victim with a stab wound to his neck. Medical personnel declared him deceased at the scene.’
According to reports, the student’s body was discovered by a security guard patrolling the area.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, and detectives are continuing their investigation. ‘The suspect or suspects fled the scene and have not yet been identified. We urge anyone with information regarding this case to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111,’ added Twigg.
Cape {town} Etc also reached out to Stellenbosch University leadership for comment, but no response has been received at the time of publication.
A student commented that the incident didn’t come as a surprise, citing what she described as the casual approach of Stellenbosch University’s security when responding to situations like this tragic event.
‘I feel as if the campus security are just hired to walk around the campus and not do anything more than that. I had times when I reported something but they didn’t seem very interested in my situation.’
‘I do feel very scared because I do go out a lot and I think the university needs to do more with regard to the protection of their students.’
This tragic event has cast a sombre shadow over the student community, with students and staff anxiously awaiting more information.
We will provide updates as the investigation develops and further details emerge.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to assist police in their investigation.
Also read:
Ardmore to debut Trunks in Trouble exhibition in bid to save elephants
Picture: Adam Berry / Gallo Images
