A 19-year-old first-year Bachelor of Arts in Language Practice student at the University of Vender (UNIVEN) South Africa, Vhulondo Nevhukalanga, was st@bbed to d3ath by her boyfriend……CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Vhulondo, who hailed from Tshitomboni (Makovha) village outside Thohoyandou, was st2bbed multiple times by the 20-year-old suspect who is said to be an Environmental Sciences student at the same university.
The university confirmed that the incident occurred inside the perpetrator’s room at accredited off-campus student residences in Ngovhela on Friday, around 4 pm.
University spokesperson, Dr Takalani Dzaga, said according to preliminary reports, the two entered the residence in seemingly high spirits before chaos erupted moments later.
“Shortly thereafter, loud noises and signs of distress were heard from the room,” Dr Dzaga said.
He said security personnel responded swiftly, forcibly entering the locked room where they discovered the female student fatally wounded.
Dzaga said in a twisted turn of events, the perpetrator attempted to take his own life by jumping through a second-floor window, sustaining injuries in the process.
Limpopo police confirmed that he is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital under police guard.
“Two knives were found at the scene,” Dzaga added. He said representatives from the university management have visited the family of the deceased to extend condolences and offer support during this harrowing time. Speaking to IOL News, family spokesperson and brother of the deceased, Rendani Charity Mbedzi, said the family was unaware that Nevhukalanga was allegedly in a relationship. “As a family, we don’t even remember her ever telling us about dating or being in a relationship,” he said. “She knew very well that we had sent her to university to study – and it was only her first year.” Mbedzi said the family was in shock following her brutal d3ath. “We didn’t even know she was dating. We are deeply shocked by the way she was k!lled,” he said. He added that the family was struggling to come to terms with her d3ath. “When we first heard about the incident, we couldn’t believe it. You hear about these things happening, but you never think it could happen to someone close to you.” “We didn’t believe something like this could happen to her. It’s very difficult for us as a family to accept what has happened.” He said their mother was particularly devastated. “My mom is really struggling to accept it. She can’t even talk about it yet. We are praying she finds strength, even though it’s hard for all of us.” Mbedzi said the family had high hopes for Nevhukalanga, who had only just started her academic journey. “We are a family of four. I’m the first-born, she was the third. Even my younger sister went to college, but honestly, we expected a lot from her. We tried our best – we sent her to school, supported her, gave her extra classes so she could have a better future. Limpopo Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba on Saturday confirmed said the suspect had been charged with the m8rder. Ledwaba said the suspect attempted to evade arrest, jumping through the window from the third floor, and he sustained some injuries . “The suspect is now at the medical facility receiving treatment under police guard,” Ledwaba said. He said the suspect is expected to appear before Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 1, 2025 The family clarified that the deceased was 19 years old and was born on November 5, 2006. The police reports said she was 20. Mbedzi described Nevhukalanga as a respectful and well-mannered young woman. “My sister was the kind of person who was full of respect. We still can’t believe this happened to her, we never saw any troubling behaviour from her,” he said. “Her life was cut short. We were still expecting so much from her.” He added that the family is calling for justice.
“What we want, as a family, is for justice to take its course. We do not want to interfere with the case – we just want justice to be served for Vhulondo. We believe justice will prevail.”
Meanwhile, educational activist Hendrick Makaneta condemned the incident, saying that the tragic loss of Nevhukalanga was deeply distressing and devastating.
“This senseless act of violence is not only a blow to her family, friends, and the university community, but it also speaks to a broader issue that requires immediate attention,” he said.
Makaneta called on the university and other institutions of higher learning across the country to take immediate and comprehensive steps to address the mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of students.
“This incident underscores the growing need for universities to be proactive in ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary support systems to navigate the pressures of academic life and personal challenges,” he said.
“We cannot ignore the fact that incidents like this are often preceded by unresolved emotional struggles, unhealthy relationships, and unaddressed mental health issues.”
In a statement on Sunday, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UNIVEN said he had approved the request from the Student Representative Council (SRC) to suspend all academic activities on Monday, September 1, 2025.
“This decision has been taken to allow students to attend the court proceedings of the suspect, Mr. Sifundo Masindi, who is accused of the tragic st@bbing and d3ath of Ms. Vhulondo Nevhukalanga, a fellow student. Mr. Masindi is scheduled to appear in court on the same day.”
Nthambeleni said this was a once-off approval and must not be misconstrued as a blanket approval for suspension of academic activities for any future or successive court appearances.
“All staff and students are urged to remain respectful and uphold the values of dignity, peace, and lawful conduct during this time,” he said……CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
