The Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, is calling on the Mangaung Metro to take swift and decisive steps to ensure the safety and security of their students after two students were brutally attacked and one died in Willows, a suburb of Bloemfontein.
Seithati Semenokane, spokesperson for the CUT, said the two were attacked near King Edward Street in Bloemfontein, in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 April.
Thato Molaodi, a second-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) student majoring in Economics and Management Sciences, succumbed to his injuries.
Lerato Khobeni, a third-year B.Ed student majoring in Mathematics, was taken to hospital for treatment.
Semenokane 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 is 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, faculty, and friends.”
Semenokane said despite the perpetrators of the heinous crime being apprehended by the police, the loss of life is a heart-wrenching reminder of how these students’ rights are being violated.
“This unfortunate incident demands that we address the challenges staring at us immediately.”
