IT has been a grim year for the University of Zululand, as no fewer than 17 students have lost their lives.
The deaths were from both natural and unnatural causes, including illness, accidents, crime and a drowning.
‘We are saddened that 17 students have passed on and as a result the university will be holding a mass prayer meeting today (Thursday) to seek God’s intervention to avert this bad omen,’ said UniZulu Communications and Marketing Director, Gcina Nhleko.
Among the deceased, the Zululand Observer has this year reported on three students who were brutally killed.
ALSO READ: Unizulu student shot 6 times off-campus
In March, UniZulu student Cebolenkosi Nqoko (23) died following a stabbing incident outside a Richards Bay CBD night spot. Nqoko succumbed to a single stab wound, allegedly following an argument with an unknown assailant at around 5am.
In August the body of Lethukuthula Ngobese, a third year law degree student at UniZulu, was found with multiple stab wounds in a shack.
More recently, final year female student Nqobile Ngema was shot six times while on her way to her off-campus residence.
For one grieving family, closure is difficult and they are still searching for answers after Sibusiso Dubazane was stabbed on campus, with no feedback forthcoming according to the deceased’s brother in a Facebook posting.
Last week, the university said it was ‘devastated’ at the increase in student demise, especially during the final semester.
‘The death of a student affects the entire UniZulu community. We stand in solidarity with colleagues, family and friends during this most sad and difficult time.
‘The University mourns the loss of the individuals who were an integral part of the UniZulu community and who also played a fundamental role beyond the classroom,’ Vice Chancellor Xoliswa Mtose said in a message to students and staff.
ALSO READ: Body of missing University of Zululand student found in shack
Roll of grief
The students from UniZulu who lost their lives in 2017 were:
Dikeledi M Matlake, Cebolenkosi Nqoko, B Mavimbela, Fortunate S Shongwe, Zethu Mkhumbuzi, Thobekile Nkosi, Ndabenhle Sibiya, Lethukuthula Ngobese, Sizakele F Ndlovu, Thando Dlamin, Qwabe Ziphozonke, HD Mhlongo, Celiwe Zulu, Gift Dubazane, Mhlengi Sosibo, lengiwe E Mjadu and Nqobile Ngema.
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