UniZulu knife attack probed
Murder suspect beaten up by mob
The University of Zululand on Monday launched an independent investigation into a fatal stabbing incident between roommates‚ which led to a violent mob justice attack.
“The university extends its deepest sympathies to the student’s family and friends‚ as well as the university community‚ for the tragic loss of young life‚” university spokesperson Gcina Nhleko-Mdluli said.
The incident‚ which took place on Sunday following an argument between first-year students‚ was condemned by the university.
“The university abhors violence as a way of resolving conflict of any sort. It is especially opposed to the use of force and violence on campuses as a way of resolving problems‚” Nhleko-Mdluli said.
“University leadership has taken swift and decisive action by initiating an independent investigation‚ which will unravel facts surrounding the incident‚ as the details are not clear at the moment.”
The institution has offered to provide counselling services to all affected. Students and staff have been urged to allow both the independent and police investigations to proceed without hindrance.
Deputy president of the student representative council (SRC) Ndumiso Ntshangase on Monday said: “We are truly saddened and shocked by this incident. It’s normal for roommates to have misunderstandings‚ but to pull out a knife against your roommate is completely unjustifiable.”
The incident happened at the university’s residence‚ according to Ntshangase. A video showing the alleged perpetrator being beaten and stoned by a mob of students has since emerged.
“The students were very upset... they wanted revenge‚ which is understandable because this happened at res‚ where students must protect each other,” he said.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele confirmed the altercation between the two students.
“One of them produced a knife and stabbed the other repeatedly‚ and actually tried to cut his throat. He died at the scene‚” Mbele said.
She said the suspect was gravely injured by the mob and remained in a serious condition in hospital‚ under police guard. He is expected to be charged with murder.