A 19-year-old man was arrested after a student from Stellenbosch University was stabbed to death, Western Cape police said on Thursday.
The Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg said police were still investigating the circumstances that led to the death of the student in Borchers Street in Stellenbosch.
“Police members attended to a complaint of a murder and upon arrival on the scene, they found the victim with a stab wound to his neck. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel,” Twigg said.
“The victim was found by a security guard who was doing patrols. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. Stellenbosch detectives are investigating a murder case.”
The first-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) student is alleged to have been robbed of his bicycle on Wednesday, however, police could not confirm this.
“We can confirm that a 19-year-old male was arrested on Wednesday, October 16, in connection with the death of the student. He will appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court once charged with murder,” Twigg said.
Stellenbosch University said it was saddened at the news of the death of one of its students and welcomed the arrest made by police.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, Professor Deresh Ramjugernath said the loss of a precious young life, especially under such tragic circumstances, always comes as a great shock to the University community.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and classmates at this extremely difficult moment of loss. We wish them all the strength during this difficult period of grieving and would like them to know that they have the support of the SU community,” Professor Ramjugernath said.
The professor has been in contact with the student’s family since the incident.
Professor Ramjugernath also called on the community to provide the student’s family and friends with the space and time to deal with this painful and tragic loss.
Students in need of counselling are encouraged to contact the University’s 24-hour Crisis Service at 010 205 3032 after hours and 021 808 4994 during office hours.
IOL