GQEBERHA – A 24-year-old Nelson Mandela University (NMU) student was allegedly killed at an off-campus residence following an early morning altercation on Sunday, 26 October.
The third-year male student died at Premier Student Accommodation (PSA) on Strand Street over the weekend.
“According to preliminary reports, it is alleged that the deceased and the suspect were fighting inside the student accommodation,” said police spokesperson Captain Janse van Rensburg. “The other students managed to stop the fight.”
Emergency services were summoned, but the student was declared dead at the scene. SAPS Humewood detectives immediately launched an investigation, leading to the suspect’s arrest and detention.
The victim was a third-year student in NMU’s Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, studying towards a National Diploma in Logistics, the university confirmed in a statement.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the tragic passing of one of our students,” NMU management said in a social media statement. “The University has been in contact with the student’s family to extend our heartfelt condolences and to offer support during this painful time.”
The university has not yet released the victim’s name, pending completion of formal identification processes. A post-mortem investigation will determine the exact cause of death.
In response to the tragedy, NMU has made counseling services available to affected students through Emthonjeni Student Wellness across all campuses.
“We recognise that this tragedy may have deeply affected many within our community. All students who may be impacted are strongly encouraged to access counselling and psychosocial support services,” the university stated.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 28 October.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who knew the student. May his soul rest in peace,” the university concluded.
It is the second murder of an NMU student to take place at an off-campus residence in Gqeberha this month.
On 13 October, a student was robbed and killed at her off-campus student residence in Admiralty Way, Summerstrand.
