[imagesource:wikimediacommons]

Police have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the murder of a Stellenbosch University (SU) student.

The victim, a first-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) student, was found with a fatal stab wound to his neck on Borcherd Road in Stellenbosch on Wednesday (16 October).

Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of the student, said police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg.

The victim had been stabbed in the neck and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

“According to reports, the victim was found by a security guard doing patrols. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation,” said Twigg.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court on murder charges.

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch University has expressed deep shock and sadness over the loss of the student.

“The loss of a young life, especially under such tragic circumstances, always comes as a great shock to the university community,” said Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, deputy vice-chancellor of learning and teaching.

“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and classmates at this difficult moment of loss. We wish them strength during this difficult period of grieving and would like them to know they have the support of the university community.”

The university has urged the community to respect the privacy of the student’s family as they grieve. Students in need of support are encouraged to reach out to the university’s 24-hour Crisis Service for counselling.

[source:sowetanlive]