The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is awaiting an official police report following the death of a student.
Carol Mabunda, a second-year National Diploma in Contact Management student, died at the university’s main campus in Pretoria over the weekend.
According to reports, Mabunda, who is from Giyani in Limpopo, is believed to have been caught up in a stampede during the annual freshmen party.
However, there have been rumours from some quarters that Mabunda passed away from her wounds after sustaining a wound from a sharp object.
The university’s student representative council, Khensani Events Management, and Corporate Artists Agency collaborate to host the annual TUT Freshers Music Festival as an outdoor event.
The annual party features a festival with food markets, brand activations, and pop-up stores.
Numerous students from other higher education institutions in Gauteng frequently attend the festival, which typically lasts until the early hours of the following day.
TUT urges for restraint and consideration
The TUT issued a statement in which it expressed sadness over Mabunda’s untimely death and urged the public to show restraint and consideration for her family during this difficult time.
“While we await an official report from the South African Police Service, the university is providing the student’s family and friends with as much support as we can at this difficult time,” said the university in the statement.
“The family should be afforded the space and the time to process their great loss and to honour the memory of the deceased with dignity.”
The 20-year-old student will be remembered in a candlelight vigil on Thursday evening at the university’s Pretoria main campus.
Student movements, including the EFF Student Command and the SA Student Congress, have sent their condolences to the Mabunda family.
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