The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is mourning the death of an electrical engineering student who was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend.
Xolile Mbatha, 23, was allegedly stabbed multiple times in front of her roommate at the Ark Royal residence, which is one of the institutions residents. Mbatha was stabbed multiple times over an alleged dispute at the residence.
It is alleged that the suspect fled the scene immediately after the brutal attack. The motive for the killing is still unknown.
Lieutenant-Colonel Nxobile Gwala, the KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson said Point police were called to the residence at Mahatma Gandhi Road at about 07:30 on Sunday. “She [the student] was declared dead on the scene. A case of murder was opened at Point SAPS and the matter is under investigation,” Gwala said.
In a statement, MUT acting vice-chancellor Marcus Ramogale said the university wished to send its heartfelt condolences to the Mbatha family during this difficult time.
He added that it was difficult, particularly at the beginning of Women’s Month, to have to communicate the senseless and brutal murder of Mbatha.
“I am at a loss of words to describe this dreadful act performed by a fellow male student at the Ark Royal Residence, one of MUT’s externally leased residences,” Ramogale said.
“The murder is a subject of police investigation. It is believed that the male student fled the scene and is still on the run. While MUT is trying to come to terms with and get details of what transpired yesterday (Sunday morning), we appeal to staff, students and the public to co-operate with the police and to come forward if they have any information that could help in the investigation.”
He said the university would booster its campaign against gender-based violence (GBV). “We therefore, ask all MUT men-staff and students- to rise up and say not in my name. This is no longer time to keep quiet but for every man to rise and speak against GBV. We appeal to all men to treat women with dignity and honour.”
Source: News24, IOL, Sunday World, East Coast Radio, image from Sunday World: Twitter