South Africans Outraged After University of Venda Student Fatally Stabbed by Boyfriend

• A first-year student at the University of Venda (Univen) was fatally stabbed on Friday, 28 August 2025
• The victim was allegedly stabbed by her boyfriend, a second-year student at the University of Venda
• The victim, a Bachelor of Arts degree in language practice student, had multiple stab wounds

A first-year student at the University of Venda (Univen) was allegedly stabbed to death on Friday, 28 August 2025, by her boyfriend, a second-year student at the university.

What happened to the Univen student?

The university stated that the couple lived off campus and were seen entering their residence on Friday afternoon, seemingly on good terms. However, a violent altercation later occurred between them.

University authorities reported that shortly thereafter, loud noises and signs of distress were heard from the room. Security personnel responded quickly, forcibly entering the locked room, where they found the female student fatally wounded. Two knives were recovered at the scene.

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The victim, a Bachelor of Arts in Language Practice student, was discovered with multiple stab wounds. The alleged perpetrator, studying for a Bachelor of Environmental Sciences, reportedly jumped from the residence’s second floor, sustaining injuries, and is now in hospital under police guard.

Another case of gender-based violence

A delegation from Univen management visited the deceased’s family in Tshitomboni (Makovha) village, near Thohoyandou, to offer condolences and support. The university’s vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, stated that Univen was deeply saddened by the incident and reiterated its commitment to fighting gender-based violence.

Prof Bernard Nthambeleni extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the University of Venda to the victim’s family, friends, and fellow students, describing the senseless act of violence as unacceptable and strongly condemning it.

Nthambeleni said the tragic incident cast a dark shadow over the university, particularly as it coincided with the conclusion of Women’s Month, a period dedicated to recognising and celebrating the resilience and strength of women. The university added that support and trauma counselling would be provided to students and staff affected by the incident.

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What did South Africans say?

Social media users shared their opinions regarding the incident.

@RenCreateX said:

"This is not it... I hope he sits his whole life in prison."

@VanTondi said:

"I trust my people in Venda, can they give him to the community please. My people should not let me down, we don’t live amongst monsters there."

@Middle_child0 said:

"Whats with these kids in university. If only they knew they'll find a work husband or wife."

@_Bongani__ said:

"Hayikhona! Somewhere out there there are satanism organizations."

@pablo_papiii said:

"On top they were studying very useless courses and you wonder why unemployment is so rife."

Learner stabbed in school attack

In a previous article, Briefly News reported a school violence incident has sent shockwaves across South Africa, as a learner was viciously attacked.

A grade 9 learner from a school in Alice in the Eastern Cape was the victim of an attack when he was stabbed with scissors. Two learners attacked him, and they were arrested, sparking concerns of a rise in violent incidents in schools.

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Khayelitsha couple abandons bail bid in Lolitha Kowa murder

Meanwhile, Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni have abandoned their bail application in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court. The couple appeared in court on 20 August 2025, charged with the murder and sexual assault of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa. They were arrested on 23 July 2025, a day after the little girl was last seen alive.

Her body was found dumped in a street near her last known location. She had wounds on her arms, forehead, and a screwdriver stuck in her head. She also had a sock in her mouth.

The couple abandoned their bail bid in their latest appearance in court after alternative addresses could not be secured. Their Legal Aid lawyer told the packed courtroom that the families of the accused refused to take them in, should they be granted bail.

Jack and Matyeseni cannot return to their home in Khayelitsha either, as it was set alight by angry community members. They will now remain behind bars until their next appearance in October, but will not appear in court then, the magistrate noted.

Source: Briefly News