“May Her Soul Rest in Peace”: University of Limpopo Mourns Student Found Dead Near Campus
- The body of a 22-year-old University of Limpopo student was discovered near the campus fence in Mankweng on Sunday morning
- Police found the student partially clothed with her head resting in a trench alongside Sovenga Street during routine patrols
- SAPS has opened an inquest docket as the cause of death remains unknown pending a post-mortem examination
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A 22-year-old University of Limpopo student was found dead near the institution's campus in Mankweng, Limpopo, in the early hours of Sunday, 4 October 2026, prompting a police investigation and an outpouring of grief across South Africa.
Police officers on routine patrol discovered the student's body at approximately 06:00 AM along Sovenga Street, right next to the university's perimeter fence. She was found partially clothed, with her head inside a trench that runs adjacent to the fence. A bag recovered beside her contained her official identity document and her NSFAS allowance card, which helped authorities confirm her identity. Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and officially pronounced her dead.
SAPS opens inquest into student's death
The South African Police Service in Mankweng has opened an inquest docket to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the student's death. A preliminary examination at the scene found no visible external injuries on her body. Early assessments suggest she may have accidentally fallen into the trench, though investigators have not drawn any firm conclusions. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to officially determine the cause of death.
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The university confirmed the tragedy in a formal media statement issued on Sunday by its Department of Marketing and Communication. The institution expressed condolences to the student's family, friends, and colleagues, noting that her next of kin had been notified. The University of Limpopo said it was cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation continued.
University urges public not to speculate
The University of Limpopo appealed to members of the public and media to refrain from sharing unverified information or speculating about the circumstances of the student's death. The institution said it would release further details only once confirmed information became available.
"May her soul rest in peace," the university said in its statement.
Read the University of Limpopo's full statement on the student's death here.
@Muhammed John mourned:
"May her soul rest in peace."
@Exzy Pholoso CHiiloane shared:
"Patrol is needed in and outside the university."
Source: Getty Images
More on tragic deaths in South Africa
- Briefly News recently reported on three off-duty JMPD officials who were attacked in one week, and the number who did not survive.
- A football club chairman spoke candidly about the emotional toll of losing a 25-year-old player, and what he feared would happen to the team.
- A school is mourning one of its learners and has asked the public to respect the family's privacy.
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Source: Briefly News
