From left: Xoliswa Miso (family friend), Mampho Molaudi (Tato Molaudi's mother), Molale Sekoai (landlord), Nkato Molaudi (uncle), George Mapan (uncle), Tlalane Molaudi (aunt). . (Becker Semera, Ground Up)
- A first-year student was stabbed to death while queuing to collect his NSFAS allowance.
- Four people were arrested and appeared in court on suspicion of murder.
- Another student was also stabbed, but survived.
At around 5am on Tuesday, while queuing to receive his NSFAS allowance, first-year B.Ed student Thato Molaudi was spotted on King Edward Street, just outside the Central University of Technology (CUT) Bloemfontein campus. He was stabbed to death.
Lerato Kobeni, a third-year student at the Faculty of Education, was also stabbed, but survived and was treated at a hospital. ground up.
Thatto was about to be one of the first in line to identify himself to receive NSFAS benefits.
Students must bring their mobile phone to receive a one-time PIN code and prove they are registered with the university.
Four people were arrested on Wednesday and appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Thursday on charges of murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The case was adjourned to April 18 for a formal bail application.
Students picketed outside the courthouse and demanded that bail be denied.
Mr Tato's aunt, Ms Tralane, said the family was devastated.
she said:
He completed grade 12 in 2022, his first year studying education as his dream course. He also wanted to be a rap singer.
CUT Vice-Chancellor Pamela Dube said: “This is a great tragedy for the university…Our deepest condolences go out to the families, faculty and friends of the deceased.”
“This unfortunate incident requires us to immediately address the challenges before us.”
She said CUT insisted that Mangan Metro City take decisive steps to ensure the safety and security of students.
Read | Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande dissolves NSFAS board
SRC chairman Metzing Matlak said if the NSFAS process had been efficient, students would not have had to queue so early in the morning.
“Students are risking their lives walking out of town to get to the line quickly,” he said.
He said students arriving at 10am would not be processed that day, but said since the incident “we have seen a magical service” where students arriving at midday were helped.
CUT students picketing outside the court. (Becker Semera, Ground Up)
Student Zizakhele Langfeldt said she waited in line on Friday and Monday but was unable to get help.
She found other students and they were walking in a group at 5 a.m. Tuesday.
“We know we are putting our lives at risk… but we need the NSFAS money so we had to be brave,” Mr Langfelt said.
Another student, Sipho Nkoti, said he was almost robbed by three men with knives at 6am on Monday.
Fortunately, some passersby chased the robber away.
