Details and circumstances surrounding the death of 22-year-old Stellenbosch University (SU) student, , are currently under investigation by SAPS with no new developments yet.
This is according to Constable Ndakhe Gwala, Media Liaison Officer for Western Cape SAPS.
Britto died in the early hours of Saturday 30 May and the details and circumstances of his death are currently being examined and investigated by SAPS, according to SU spokesperson, Martin Viljoen.
“The university is cooperating fully with SAPS and has made the information at its disposal available to assist [with investigations], including video footage from the upper floor of the Neelsie Student Centre,” he said in correspondence with NovaNews.
Speculations around Britto’s death have made rounds on various social media platforms and across campus; however, Viljoen noted the deep pain that such speculation leaves those close to him as well as his friends and family.
“Out of respect for his memory and his grieving family, the university appeals to the community and the public to refrain from speculation and to allow SAPS and the inquest process to establish the facts,” said Viljoen.
Meanwhile, Gwala said that “there are no new developments to report at this stage”, in correspondence with NovaNews.
Britto was a resident at Huis Russel Botman House and a BA (International Studies) student at the time of his death. He also served as the Vice-Chairperson for QueerUs Society, a student (advocacy) society for the LGBTQ+ community at SU.
He is remembered as an active student leader that left a positive and lasting impact on many lives during his time at SU.
“Antonio was a beloved member of our community,” said Leslie van Rooi, the Dean of Students at SU. “We are walking alongside his family and loved ones and our support to all those affected remains in place.”
SU has asked the public to provide Britto’s family, friends and those close to him with the space to mourn, noting that “it is in the best interest of justice and the memory of Mr Britto to do so”.
A memorial gathering in remembrance and honour of Britto and his life will be held later in June as arranged by his friends and family with the support of SU.
