Four men appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Thursday on charges of murder and assault after the death of a student of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, in Bloemfontein.
Tumelo Monyane (27), Thabang Joseph Mabesa (25), Neo Pitso Molefe (23) and Thato Mahlomela (20) are the suspects who were arrested after Thato Molaodi (19) and Lerato Khobeni (20) was brutally attacked at a house in King Edward Street, Willows.
Molaodi died in the attack that took place on Tuesday, 9 April, between 05:20 and 07:00, and Khobeni was seriously injured and taken to the National Hospital.
The police arrived at the residence and arrests were effected immediately after the attack. Cases of murder and assault with intention to cause grievous bodily harm were opened at the Parkweg Police Station.
Molaodi was a second-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) student majoring in Economics and Management Sciences.
Khobeni is a third-year BEd student majoring in Mathematics. She was discharged from hospital after she had been treated for her injuries.
The CUT is calling on the Mangaung Metro to take swift and decisive steps to ensure the safety and security of its students.
Seithati Semenokane, spokesperson for the CUT, said the CUT has been in close contact with the families to offer support during this difficult time.
“They have been notified about this tragic incident. Upon receiving the call from the university, they immediately drove to the campus.“
Prof. Pamela Dube, vice-chancellor and principal of the CUT, said it was a great tragedy for the university.
“These students embody the values and goals we strive to instil in all our students. We offer our deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, facult, and friends.”
Semenokane said despite the perpetrators of the crime being apprehended by the police, the loss of life was a heart-wrenching reminder of how these students’ rights had been violated.
“This unfortunate incident demands that we address the challenges staring at us immediately.”
The four suspects appeared on the charges on Thursday and were remanded in custody. They are expected back in court on Thursday, 18 April.
