Slain NMU student remembered

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Family, friends, fellow students, lecturers and soccer teammates gathered in the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) lecture theatre on Friday 9 June to remember and celebrate the life of their peer, Zimkhitha Ntshisela (20).

The much loved Zimkhitha, originally from Kokstad in KZN, was brutally stabbed to death inside her residence at the NMU campus on Tuesday 6 June.

Her boyfriend at the time, Luyanda Mahlanza (22), was arrested and charged for her murder.

During his arrest, the situation became volatile as angry students were threatening the suspect's life. Police arrived just in time to remove the suspect, using bullet proof shields and stun grenades to disperse the students.

Unfortunately it was too late for Zimkhitha as paramedics had declared her dead on the scene before police arrived. Upon the police's arrival, she was already in an ambulance.

She sustained multiple stab wounds to her chest and upper body. According to unconfirmed information, Zimkhitha was stabbed 17 times before she died.

Zimkhitha Ntshisela (20).

Suspect in court

Mahlanza made his first appearance in the George Magistrate's Court on Thursday morning, 8 June where he indicated that he will be applying for bail. The case was postponed to 5 July for a formal bail application.

The state will be opposing the application as Mahlanza, who is also a student at NMU, is charged with a schedule six offence.

Eyewitness

In a post circulating on social media, a fellow student and eyewitness talks about how she came across the horrendous scene after she heard strange noises coming from the victim's room.

She went to investigate, but found the door to the victim's room locked and the master key had to be used to open it. When the door opened, the witness allegedly saw the suspect stabbing the victim.

Only the victim and the suspect were in the room at that stage.

NMU remembers Zimkhitha

Zimkhitha was as second-year diploma student in Tourism Management. "Her fellow students and her NMU family will remember her as bubbly, friendly and a caring fellow student.

She was known to her residence family as a fitness fanatic, often showcasing her skills on the soccer fields. Mandela University's sincerest condolences are with her family and friends.

Thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Ntshisela family," said NMU George campus spokesperson, Milisa Piko.

She was commonly referred to as the female Ronaldo because of her extraordinary soccer gift.

"What made her special is that she wanted to share her gifts with not only her team, but everyone she could reach. She pushed the team to be the best that they can be and to strive for excellence. She touched everyone she met with her good heart, sharing her love not just in the field but with every person she interacted with. She made her family proud. She made her friends proud. She made the campus proud," said Piko.

Psychosocial support, including pastoral care, was instituted immediately after the incident and continues for affected students and staff.