(AGENPARL) – gio 11 aprile 2024 PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 April 2024
CUT community saddened by brutal attack of two Bloemfontein Campus students
The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) regrets to inform the community that two of the institution’s students were brutally attacked in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 9 April 2024. Unfortunately, one student did not survive, while the other has been hospitalised. This news has left the university community in a state of shock and heartbreak.
Following the attack, Mr Thato Molaodi, a second-year BEd student majoring in Economics and Management Sciences succumbed to his injuries and passed away. While Mr Lerato Khobeni, a third-year BEd student majoring in Mathematics studies was taken to hospital for treatment.
CUT has been in close contact with the families to offer support during this difficult time. They have been notified about this tragic incident. Upon receiving the call from the university, they immediately drove to the campus.
“This is a great tragedy for the university, as these students embody the values and goals, we strive to instil in all our students. We offer our deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, faculty, and friends,” expressed Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pamela Dube.
Despite the perpetrators of the heinous crimes being apprehended by the police, the tragic loss of life is a heart-wrenching reminder of how our students’ rights are being violated. This unfortunate incident demands that we address the challenges staring at us immediately. CUT insists that the Mangaung Metro Municipality takes swift and decisive steps to ensure the safety and security of our student residence in Willows, which is of the utmost importance.
As a responsible corporate citizen, CUT is steadfast in our dedication to protecting the dignity and freedom of our students, who are the future leaders of our society. However, we know our resources regarding ensuring our students’ safety are limited. Therefore, we implore the community to work tirelessly to eradicate this scourge and make the city safer for our students. Our students deserve to enjoy the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this challenging time. Let us unite in solidarity and offer our prayers for the families, their fellow students, and their lecturers,” added Prof. Dube.
About CUT
CUT is the foremost higher education institution in the heartland of South Africa, dedicated to quality education and training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. CUT boasts pockets of excellence, including a premier Hotel School and leading research and innovation platforms, e.g. world-class medical product development through 3-D printing technology.
For more information about CUT, visit http://www.cut.ac.za.
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