DUT mourns tragic loss of student
In a short clip circulating on social media the student can be seen holding onto the railing before plummeting to his death from the top storey of the over four-floors building. It is unclear what led to the incident, and police are investigating the matter.
In a statement issued by the institution, DUT said they were shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of their student, and added that counselling will be offered to those in need.
DUT spokesperson Alan Khan said, 'We convey our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of the young man who has sadly passed away. Police are currently investigating the incident, and the name of the student will be released once the next of kin have been formally informed. The University has made counselling support available to both students and staff during this difficult time. We pray for strength and comfort for all who are mourning. May the soul of our dearly departed rest in eternal peace.'
Also Read: Students raise voices against plight of GBV
Since the incident this morning, speculation has been rife with mental health issues being highlighted by some students at the campus.
On Facebook, Thembalethu Scelo said, 'I don't blame him, DUT is stressing.'
Another commented, 'Eyy we go through a lot'. This sentiment was shared by Lindani Lierh who said, 'DUT and NSFAS are the main cause of students anxiety, some students solely depend on NSFAS.'
Meanwhile, Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer said, 'This is so tragic. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and the DUT community.'
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
No bail for accused mastermind behind DJ Sumbody's murder
Katiso Molefe. Image: YouTube Screenshot via SABC News Home » No bail for accused mastermind behind DJ Sumbody's murder Katiso Molefe. Image: YouTube Screenshot via SABC News Murder-accused Katiso 'KT' Molefe, charged with the killing of Oupa Sefoka, also known as DJ Sumbody, and his two bodyguards, was denied bail on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court. Magistrate Reneir Boshoff delivered a 12-minute bail judgment where he listed a slew of reasons and concerns why Molefe was denied bail. Molefe is alleged to have plotted the execution-style murder the of DJ Sumbody who was killed on 22 November 22 together with his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. He was murdered following a performance at News Café in Woodmead, Johannesburg. It's alleged Molefe and DJ Sumbody were feuding over a multimillion-rand drug deal around the time the music producer was gunned down. Boshoff cited other pending cases and convictions against Molefe including the killing of Philip Swap in April 2024 and the pending murder case of DJ Sumbody together with three other accused. He further highlighted incidents of drug dealing and fraud committed by the accused. 'It is significant he was convicted of drug trafficking in the UK for the possession of cannabis. He was charged with fraud related to his stay in the UK. 'What is really concerning is that he used a fake passport with an alias, David Tabbor Leita. While this may have happened way back in 2004, it raises concern about what the applicant is capable of,' said Boshoff. Boshoff alluded to Molefe being a flight risk when expressing concern over the large bank deposits into Molefe's business bank account. This, he said, points to a source of income. 'The applicant suggest that the State's case against him is extremely weak and circumstantial by nature. It is true that the evidence against the applicant because of his role in the killings will be distant as he was not physically present during the (killing). The absence of direct evidence does not mean that an inference of guilt can't be deducted,' said Boshoff. The magistrate indicated that contact between Molefe and three other accused in this murder case, via WhatApp and cellphone communication formed part of the evidence in the State's case against Molefe. The magistrate further commented on the allegations by the State of Molefe paying the three accused large sums of cash following DJ Sumbody's murder. 'The cellphone records after these so-called hits between the respective accused are indeed very interesting. Accused one frantically trying to reach the applicant moments after the Sandton hit on DJ Somebody. He made no less than eight calls to the applicant,' said Boshoff. Boshoff also spoke of concerns by the State that witnesses lives may be endangered should Molefe be released on bail. This comes in the wake of messages sent via WhatsApp by Molefe to the other accused's family members when he was initially released on bail. Some of the messages suggested that Molefe could arrange his release from prison. 'Although bail was granted in the High Court regarding the case, this court is of the respectful opinion that a lot has changed since then. The current counts are of a very serious nature and can definitely increase the risk to abscond. Very important, the evidential link between the four accused persons in this case appears to have increased,' said Boshoff. According to the magistrate several facts are taken into consideration when such judgments are made. These include: the freedom of the individual, his right to be innocent until proven guilty and the interest of justice. 'There's also the statutory framework requiring that the accused must on a balance of probabilities show the existence of exceptional circumstances to permit his release on bail,' said Boshoff. In this regard, Molefe has not proven his innocence stated the magistrate. 'Considering all the relevant facts and circumstances, the court makes a value judgment and finds the applicant failed to put exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail…As I highlighted there are a number of concerning aspects, not only linking the applicant to the crimes, but his circle of influence and capabilities. [Therefore], his application for bail is accordingly refused,' added Boshoff. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
NSFAS' R2.5m-a-month luxury offices hit by ceiling collapse, flooding
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is forking out more than R2.5m a month for its swanky Cape Town headquarters, but the building's ceiling has collapsed, floors have been flooded and staff say unsafe conditions persist. Unions are now demanding proof that the space is safe before returning. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is spending more than R2.5-million a month on rent for its five floors in the glossy Halyard building on Cape Town's Foreshore. Yet staff were left stunned last week when a burst pipe caused the ceiling to collapse, flooding carpets and almost destroying computers. The incident occurred on the 17th floor in the early hours of Wednesday, 13 August 2025. Workers were not in the office at the time, and sources who work there say the damage could have caused panic and injury had they been present. 'The roof (ceiling) collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday morning; no one was at the office. The roof fell on PCs (computers); the pieces of the roof were on desks, and there was water. Before this, the workers were smelling diesel, but the health and safety officer downplayed this and said this came from the harbour and had nothing to do with the building,' said a female worker, who spoke to Daily Maverick anonymously. An internal NSFAS email dated 18 August, seen by Daily Maverick, said the incident was 'caused by a burst sprinkler pipe due to a mechanical failure in the sprinkler pump room, resulting in pressure build-up and subsequent rupture on the 17th floor. No diesel pipes are installed or present on the 17th floor.' The email also noted that repairs had been completed. Staff remain unconvinced 'We refrain from coming to the office until we are satisfied that our constituency can go back to the institution… The sprinklers damaged computers, and the carpet was wet,' said another source, adding that the 17th floor houses more than 100 employees, including 50 interns. The NSFAS branch of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union has now intervened. Branch chairperson Linda Mcetywa said no staff under the membership of the union should return until the union is satisfied that the building meets safety standards: 'We said that there is no way that we can allow any staff member of NSFAS to come and occupy the building until certificates of compliance have been issued to the trade union. This certificate is supposed to come from the Department of Labour.' Read more: NSFAS battles backlogs, staff and tech woes as MPs criticise R2m rent for swish Cape Town offices. She added that despite the steep rental bill, the offices are not even disability friendly. 'And also remember NSFAS has a facility for working that is called the working centre to allow students who are residing within our proximity to come and enquire about any matters related to funding. You could imagine that even students who may have disabilities cannot access the building because the building itself is not disability friendly.' The ceiling collapse comes after workers staged a three-day picket outside the building this month, demanding action against alleged corruption, mismanagement and poor working conditions. NSFAS responds NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi confirmed the incident but downplayed its impact. 'This was a technical malfunction that could not reasonably have been foreseen or prevented. The fault has since been fully repaired by a professional company appointed by the property owner,' he said. 'No NSFAS equipment or furniture was damaged. Following a full inspection by ICT, all systems and devices were found to be operational. The sprinkler pipe was repaired before 11am on the same day, and the affected carpeted areas were vacuumed and steam-cleaned by the landlord's contractors.' He added that 'comprehensive remediation has been undertaken, including replacement of damaged ceiling boards, secondary deep cleaning of the affected areas, and ongoing use of humidifiers to ensure the space remains dry.' Regarding ongoing staff complaints about the lifts, Mnisi said these remained the landlord's responsibility. 'We can confirm that the lifts underwent their most recent scheduled service on 4 August 2025.' Staff members are working remotely until the union receives a certificate confirming that the environment is safe. DM
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Crime awareness day set for Greenwood Park
THE Greenwood Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) will host a Crime Awareness Day on Saturday, August 23, at Parkhill Secondary School, bringing together law enforcement, security companies, learners, and residents for a day of education, awareness, and community building. Also read: Bank warns of rise in AI-driven spoofing scams Chairperson of the Greenwood Park CPF Sub-Forum 2, Danusha Makan-Maharaj, said the event is aimed at strengthening ties between communities and crime-fighting stakeholders. 'The main purpose is to bring awareness to the communities we serve of the work of the CPF and all the roleplayers we work with. It is an opportunity for the community to come meet our local heroes from SAPS, Metro Police, and all the security companies, including their local CPF members,' she said. The programme will highlight critical issues such as gender-based violence and domestic violence, and how these often feed into crimes like hijackings and robberies. Learners from Parkhill Secondary will perform a dramatic sketch on domestic violence and a Sarafina dance piece, while drum majorettes and local security companies will add to the action with live demonstrations. Attendees can expect simulated hijacking scenarios, K9 demonstrations, an extrication drill by the eThekwini Fire Department, and displays by SAPS and Metro Police units. Security companies, including Fidelity ADT, Blue Security, Marshall Security, Excellerate, Swift, Nettow, and Shield Private Security, will showcase their vehicles, equipment, and community initiatives. Fidelity ADT's helicopter and firetruck are set to be crowd favourites. HelpMe SA will also promote their security app. Makan-Maharaj said the CPF hopes to use the event to recruit new members and expand its network of active volunteers. 'Sign up to be a part of the change. It requires just one hour a week of patrolling and being part of a team determined to make our streets safer, one street at a time,' she said She added that the CPF is particularly concerned about the recent rise in vehicle thefts and attempted hijackings in the area. 'If we adopt the ethos of 'each one helps one,' we can solve half the problems we face as communities. Looking out for your neighbour means securing your road, and street by street, we can drive out criminal elements. The message we want to send is: not on our watch.' Also at the event will be the original KITT from Knightrider and one lucky person will win a 'spin' in the talking car. There will also be a raffle for a helicopter ride to Virginia Airport from the venue, among other raffle prizes and giveaways. A live animal and reptile display, face painting, mendhi (henna) art and kiddies activities will keep the young ones entertained and, for hungry tummies, delicious food and beverages will be on sale. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
