The family of murdered third-year UWC accounting student Kamva Dasi had hoped that their son would become a prominent accountant in South Africa. Dasi, 22, was shot and killed in what was allegedly an armed robbery in Belhar on Saturday while out with five other students.
Reports have said that the students had allegedly just withdrawn money when they were robbed. A scuffle broke out, and Kamva Dasi was fatally shot. The family, however, told the Cape Times that their son and the other students were visiting one of their friends when armed men stormed in and robbed them. Dasi was shot as they fled.
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Tembile Dasi, Dasi’s grandfather, told the Cape Times that his daughter collapsed after learning that her son had been killed.
He said, ‘Kamva was the eldest child, and the family had big hopes for him, especially knowing that he was almost done with his studies. We are beyond devastated. No words can describe how we truly feel.’
He added, ‘His mother is based in Mossel Bay and fainted upon hearing the news. She has not recovered yet but has seen a doctor.’
Tembile Dasi explained that he was informed about the incident around 2am on Sunday, and the parents were informed earlier on.
‘It’s painful to send your child to school and they return home in a coffin,’ he told the Cape Times.
Some family members are currently in Cape Town, down from their home in the Eastern Cape, making arrangements. They are hoping that the perpetrators will be apprehended soon. They are hoping to hold the funeral in Mthatha this weekend.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting incident at Kern’s Crescent at 10.37pm are being investigated, according to police spokesperson FC van Wyk.
‘A murder case was registered for investigation. The unknown suspects fled the scene and have yet to be arrested. The motive for the attack is yet to be determined,’ said Van Wyk.
Dr Matete Madiba, UWC’s deputy vice chancellor for student development and support, said the university was traumatised and saddened to learn of their student’s murder.
Madiba stated that the university was devastated that Dasi’s young life had been cut short and that the university would fully cooperate with the SAPS.
According to Madiba, the university has contacted him and is in contact with his immediate family.
Madiba stated that fellow students in need of professional, confidential counselling and psychological services could contact the Centre for Student Support Services, and students were also encouraged to contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, which offers a 24-hour toll-free counselling helpline.
Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.
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