The family of a Vaal University of Technology (VUT) student who was found dead in her room last week believe she was murdered.
But the institution insists that Thandeka Blessed Nkosi - a final-year cost and accounting management student - overdosed on medication after complaining of a headache.
On Thursday, VUT students and staff members gathered at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall for Nkosi’s memorial service.
The student was discovered dead in her room on Friday at the on-campus residence popularly referred to as Nkandla.
She had not been seen for a few days when a friend, Sphiwe Khoza, was approached by her neighbours about the foul smell coming from Nkosi’s room.
“I last saw her on Monday and we agreed to meet on Friday once the exams were done. Her neighbours came to me on Friday and said her room smelt bad and there were flies. Security said it must be the fridge,” said Khoza.
She started to worry when she realised the room lights were off but the heater was on and the windows were open.
Khoza then approached the head matron who gave her a master key to Nkosi’s room.
“I went with a security guard and when we opened the door, all I saw were her feet. Then I was told she was dead,” a sobbing Khoza said.
At the memorial service, Nkosi’s brother, who didn't want to be named, said there was evidence that Nkosi was murdered.
“The post-morterm results show that she was strangled. There was also blood on her bed. We have to say things as they are. There was a lot of blood in her room. Our sister was in pain and we are worried about the disturbing rumours that she committed suicide,” he said.
“Our sister was strangled. She was murdered and we want university management to take the matter seriously.”
University spokesman Mike Khuboni said the institution believed Nkosi overdosed on headache medication.
“She complained about a headache and the campus paramedics gave her pills. The report we are getting is that she overdosed.”
Student representative council spokesman Progress Mpangane said it had asked the university to prioritise security on the campus.
“We want a new security company to be appointed by the time schools reopen next year,” he said.
The Star