KUGOMPO CITY- The iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu (WS) is mourning the loss of two students who died in separate incidents at NSFAS-accredited private residences in East London within a 24-hour period.
The university confirmed the deaths of fifth-year medical student Mihle Mbangata(22) and second-year commerce student Ntsindiso Nyembezi(19) describing the incidents as a devastating loss for the institution and the broader university community.
Mbangata died following a fire at Calypso Residence on Saturday, 31 May in KuGompo City. According to a statement issued by the university, emergency services were alerted to a fire at Unit B13 shortly after midday.
Despite an immediate emergency response, Mbangata could not be saved.
Preliminary information indicates that a microwave oven containing burnt food wrapped in aluminium foil may have ignited while the student was asleep.
The room sustained extensive smoke and soot damage.
Early indications suggest Mbangata may have died from smoke inhalation, although police investigations are continuing.
The medical student was completing her clinical rotations at a hospital in KuGompo City at the time of her death.
In a separate incident, Nyembezi died in the early hours of Sunday morning after sustaining severe injuries from a broken bottle.
According to information received by the university from police, the student had reportedly been returning from a local tavern when he tripped and fell while carrying a bottle.
The bottle broke during the fall causing a deep laceration to his thigh.The university said Nyembezi lost a significant amount of blood and was assisted back to his residence by fellow students. He later collapsed at the residence.
Despite efforts by his peers to help him, he died before emergency medical assistance could arrive.
University representatives have since travelled to Ezingolweni in KwaZulu-Natal to offer support and condolences to the Nyembezi family.
WSU Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Thandi Mgwebi expressed the institution’s grief at the deaths.
“A university is at its core, a covenant between generations. When we lose Mihle and Ntsindiso, we lose not only the promise of their individual futures, but part of the future we are building together as a society. We hold their families in the deepest solidarity,” she said.
The university has activated counselling and psychosocial support services for affected students and staff.
In addition WS said Campus Protection Services and Health and Safety officials were conducting internal investigations into both incidents, while the university had requested detailed reports from the accommodation providers involved.
Dr Mgwebi further emphasised that, the institution was also reviewing its after-hours crisis response systems to improve access to psychological and wellness support services.
“The measure of an institution is how it stands with its people in grief. Let our response be marked by compassion, accountability, empathy, and by an uncompromising commitment to the safety and dignity of every student entrusted to our care,” she said.
The university thanked the South African Police Service, emergency personnel, staff members and fellow students who responded to both incidents.
Police investigations remain ongoing.
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