Student’s body found on campus

A MALE student was found dead on the Rhodes University campus on Saturday morning.

Details on how the student died have not yet been released, but no foul play is suspected. Grahamstown police have opened an inquest docket.

Police spokesman Captain Luvuyo Mjekula said: “At about 7.15am police responded to a complaint at the university and on arrival they found the body of a man lying on his stomach in a room. No injuries were visible on the body and an inquest docket has been opened for investigation.”

The deceased was identified as Nikhil Maharaj, 20, a second year law student.

Rhodes University vice-chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela and spokeswoman Veliswa Mhlope could not be reached for comment.

Maharaj, of KwaZulu-Natal, matriculated from Durban High School in 2014.

According to the school’s Facebook page, Maharaj was the chairman of the representative council of learners in 2014 and a prefect.

“Nikhil was an absolute gentleman and he will be remembered as the wonderful person he was by those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. Our condolences to Nikhil’s family and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with you,” the school said in a tribute.

The post was followed by scores of tributes from those who knew him.

Divesh Singh wrote: “You were a great friend and you were taken away too soon. Rest in peace Nikhil.”

Ntuthuko Mlondo said: “The school might be 150 [years old], but 2010-2014 were the best five years thanks to you, Nikhil Maharaj.”

Saloshana Nagia wrote: “Our heartfelt condolences to Dinesh Reshma Maharaj and Nival. All our prayers and thoughts are with you during this trying time. May God grant you the strength to bear this great loss.”

The school said the student’s funeral had been held yesterday in Durban where the body was cremated in the evening. —