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A tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and the wider Gqeberha community after two students were attacked during a violent break-in at an off-campus residence in Summerstrand on Monday evening, 13 October.
The students, both young women, were inside their accommodation when an armed intruder forced his way in at around 7:15 p.m. The man, described as being in his mid-twenties, allegedly carried a knife and immediately began threatening the occupants.
Moments later, the situation turned deadly. A 23-year-old student was fatally stabbed, while her 20-year-old friend sustained serious injuries during the struggle. The attacker reportedly stole two cellphones and a laptop before fleeing the scene on foot.
Emergency services responded quickly, but the older victim was pronounced dead on arrival. The second student was rushed to Livingstone Hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition.
Police Launch Manhunt
Captain André Beetge, spokesperson for the Humewood Police Station, confirmed that a case of murder and attempted murder has been opened.
“We are pursuing all leads and are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify and apprehend the perpetrator,” Beetge said.
Police say the suspect may have sustained injuries during the attack, and investigators are combing through CCTV footage from nearby properties. A dedicated task team has been assigned to the case, with detectives working around the clock to track the suspect’s movements before and after the incident.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Sergeant Ridwaan Baatjies at 073 130 3018 or call the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.
Grief and Anger at NMU
Nelson Mandela University confirmed the incident in a statement released late Monday night, calling it a “devastating blow to the university community.”
“The university extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of the student who tragically passed away, and wishes the injured student a full and speedy recovery,” the statement read.
Counselling services have been made available through the Emthonjeni Student Wellness Unit, which is providing emotional and psychological support to affected students and staff.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa described the event as “a painful reminder of the violence that continues to threaten young lives in our society.”
“We cannot continue to lose students to such senseless acts. As an institution, we stand together in grief and solidarity, determined to strengthen safety around our campuses and residences,” Muthwa said.
Fears Over Off-Campus Safety
The attack has reignited long-standing concerns about security in private student housing near NMU. Many students live off-campus in Summerstrand, Humewood, and Central, where accommodation is often run by private landlords with minimal security.
Students and community members say this tragedy was “waiting to happen.”
“We’ve been asking for more patrols for months,” said Thando Ndlovu, chairperson of the NMU Student Representative Council. “There are dark streets, broken gates, and no guards. Every week there’s a break-in — this time it turned deadly.”
Local residents echoed these concerns, calling for improved street lighting, security cameras, and increased police presence around student-heavy areas.
Ward councillor Renaldo Gouws said the city was engaging with police and private landlords to address safety concerns.
“We need a coordinated response,” Gouws said. “This isn’t just about one building — it’s a pattern that’s putting hundreds of students at risk.”
Community in Mourning
On Tuesday morning, dozens of students gathered outside the university’s Main Building, laying flowers and lighting candles in memory of their slain classmate.
Friends described her as “kind, ambitious, and full of life.” She was completing her final year in Education and had dreams of becoming a teacher in her hometown of Lusikisiki.
“She worked hard to get here,” said one of her classmates. “She always said she wanted to teach children to believe in themselves. It’s unbearable to think she’s gone.”
The university has confirmed that a memorial service will be held later this week, with details to be announced once the victim’s family has been consulted.
Wider Concerns About Student Safety
The killing comes amid a spike in violent crimes targeting students across South Africa. Recent months have seen reports of robberies, assaults, and kidnappings near campuses in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
Crime experts warn that students, especially women living off-campus, are often easy targets for criminals due to weak security infrastructure and poor coordination between universities and private property owners.
Security analyst Johan Burger said universities needed to take a more proactive approach.
“It’s not enough to focus on on-campus safety. Most students live off-campus, where protection is limited. Partnerships between police, landlords, and the university must be strengthened,” Burger said.
A Call for Change
In response to the tragedy, NMU has announced plans to review its off-campus housing policy, with a focus on setting minimum safety standards for private residences accredited by the university.
The institution said it will work with law enforcement and the Summerstrand Community Policing Forum to improve safety patrols and ensure that student accommodation is adequately monitored.
For many students, however, change feels too late.
“We live in fear,” said second-year law student Nolitha Mpofu. “Every time we hear footsteps outside, we panic. We shouldn’t have to live like this to get an education.”
Remembering a Life Cut Short
As the investigation continues, NMU remains in mourning. Flags on campus have been lowered to half-mast, and messages of condolence have poured in from across the country.
For those who knew her, the young woman’s death is a reminder of the fragility of safety — and of the urgent need to protect those who leave home in search of a better future.
In Summerstrand, the lights of the quiet student house remain off, the laughter that once filled its rooms replaced by silence.
And as police continue their search for the man who turned an ordinary Monday evening into a nightmare, one question haunts the NMU community:
How many more students must die before something changes?
