Memorial service for murdered student
Students at the South Cape College campus in Mossel Bay held a memorial service on Thursday, 6 October, for Nomaphelo Pantsi (21), who was found murdered on Sunday, 2 October.
A 23-year-old man made his first court appearance in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 5 October, in connection with Pantsi's murder.
The case was postponed to later this month. Police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies says Pantsi’s body was discovered by children playing in the bushes near Bokwe Street in KwaNonqaba.
He says Pantsi was found naked and she had an open wound to the face.
The suspect was arrested in Thembalethu in George on Monday, 3 October. He is being charged with murder. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated.
The South Cape College Student Representative Council (SRC) planned to march to the KwaNonqaba Police Station on Thursday, 6 October, but did not have the necessary authorisation to do so. He said they had to apply for permission in writing seven days in advance.
According to the SRC secretary, Masibulele Nyabaza, the students wanted to hold a peaceful march on the side of the road with placards and posters to show their unity as students of the college. "It is so unfortunate that a young soul had to die like that. We wanted to show our support and demand justice for Nomaphelo. A lot of our students come from outside of Mossel Bay. If we do not stand together, no one will stand for us."
The memorial service was well attended, with family members, students, friends and college personnel present.