The African National Congress Parliamentary Caucus Study Group on Higher Education and Training, Science, and Innovation is appalled by the tragic murder of a student in a robbery on 19th November 2022 in Universitas, Bloemfontein. The theft, which targeted student accommodation houses, resulted in a loss of devices in one of the student accommodations while the deceased was shot at the other.

We grieve with the family of the student and the student community. The deceased is a student at the University of Free State. We call on the university to provide sufficient trauma counselling for students and support the deceased’s family. 

The level of crime and syndicates that target student residential areas requires enhanced security to address the vulnerability of students. We urge law enforcement agencies to expedite their investigations to bring the perpetrators to book.

We call on higher education institutions to prioritise student safety and security for on-campus and off-campus students working with law enforcement agencies.
 

ISSUED BY THE ANC STUDY GROUP ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING, SCIENCE, AND INNOVATION
 

For Media enquiries

Dibolelo Mahlatsi ANC (MP)

Whip of Higher Education and Training, Science, and Innovation

+27(0) 73 124 6254