TWO UFS STUDENTS SHOT DEAD, PARTY ENDS IN TEARS

By Masilo Malakwane

QWAQWA – Two students from University of Free State, QwaQwa campus, residing  off campus in Botjhabela village were shot dead, and two other who have been injured are in critical condition following an attack by robbers  while partying on Wednesday.

The deceased were having party and drinking inside one of the rooms, when they were attacked by unknown suspects wearing balaclavas.

According to police statement two victims were killed and two others were rushed to hospital .

“The police found two bodies of males lying on the ground with fatal gunshot wounds. They were identified by their friends. The other two African males were already rushed to Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli regional hospital under critical conditions.”.

The deceased include Sigcino Zimba, a first-year student hailing from  Escourt in Kwazulu Natal and his counterpart whose name has not been released as his family has  not been notified.

Devastated Sigcino’s father, Zenzele Shibani Zimba, told The Guard while cleaning his son’s room that he would be satisfied if the police can show him his son’s killers. “Justice must be served. Just over the weekend, my son went home to visit us, but today its Wednesday and he is no more. I’m very shocked because we were anticipating that he will complete his studies and turn his home’s situation around since I am unemployed”. Said Zimba.

 Police spokesperson Brigadier Motansi Makhele said there had been an altercation between the victims and the suspects who at the time were demanding money, laptops and cell phones from the victims.

 “Upon their arrival, police found group of students believed to be studying with University of Free State at QwaQwa campus claiming that three suspects who were wearing balaclavas came to them demanding cash, laptops and cell phones.”  

Brigadier Makhele added that the exact number of stolen items is not yet determined at this stage and also the name of the deceased and two injured cannot be released before the next- of- kin has been informed.

Meanwhile University of Free State spokesperson Lacea Loader says management extends its deepest condoles to the families and  friends of the two students ,wishing them strength during this difficult time and promise to provide as much support as possible to them.

UFS Phuthaditjhaba and Bloemfontein campuses have  lost two lives in separate incidents.

“The management of UFS is saddened  and shocked by the passing of two of its students during two separate incidents in Phuthaditjhaba and on Bloemfontein campus respectively.”

According to Loader a group of students from QwaQwa campus residing off campus were involved in a senseless attach in Phuthaditjhaba during the early hours of Wednesday, which resulted in the loss of lives, with two in critical condition in hospital.

“The unfortunate incident is being investigated by police. The QwaQwa campus management  is in touch with family members  and support has been arranged for the affected students and families”

She said in a second incident student residing in one of the men’s resident on the Bloemfontein campus was found in is room on Wednesday morning and it is not clear when he passed away.

However, police are investigating the case and like the incident in Phuthaditjhaba, more details cannot be share at the moment. Makhele confirmed that  a case docket of double murders and double attempted murders and house robbery is being investigated. Any person with information that may lead to the arrests and convictions of the suspects can contact Phuthaditjhaba Detective Service, Colonel Morena Motloung at 082 479 3313 and Captain Boy Makubu on 082 332 3418