A Nelson Mandela University (NMU) student was killed during a break-in at an off-campus residence in Summerstrand, Gqeberha, on 13 October 2025.
The attacker, described as a male around 25 years old, allegedly entered the student residence armed with a knife.
According to police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge, the suspect remains at large and a manhunt is underway.
ONE STUDENT KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED
The unknown suspect reportedly attacked two students, aged 23 and 20, during the break-in.
The 23-year-old NMU student died at the scene, while the other sustained injuries.
Police confirmed that the injured victim is receiving medical treatment.
The suspect fled the scene with two cellphones and a laptop.
NMU RESPONDS TO THE STUDENT KILLING
In a statement issued by the university’s Division of Communication and Marketing, NMU extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased student and expressed support for the injured survivor.
The university said it would provide counselling and psychosocial support to students affected by the incident.
NMU also confirmed that it is cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation.
STUDENTS PLAN PROTEST OVER SAFETY CONCERNS
In response to the incident, several student organisations have organised a ‘Student Lives Matter March’, set to take place on 14 October 2025.
According to the NMU South African Students Congress (SASCO), the students plan to deliver a memorandum demanding action from both the police and university management.
“We demand the 72-hour arrest plan to be implemented and for the perpetrators to be brought to account,” SASCO said in a statement.
The Economic Freedom Fighters Students Command has confirmed its participation in the march.
ONGOING SAFETY CONCERNS IN RESPONSE TO THE KILLED NMU STUDENT
This is not the first student-led mobilisation around safety.
On 4 October 2025, students marched from North End to City Hall to call for better protection on and off campus.
“That march was not just symbolic; it was a desperate plea for help. But our cries fell on deaf ears,” the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) in Nelson Mandela University said.
“It is heartbreaking and infuriating that the university and authorities waited for blood to be shed before taking student safety seriously,” DASO NMU added.
GQEBERHA MURDER CAPITAL OF SA
The attack comes as Gqeberha remains one of the most violent cities in South Africa.
The city recorded a murder rate of 70.8 killings per 100 000 residents in 2023/24, making it the country’s murder capital.
WorldAtlas also ranks Gqeberha eighth among the world’s most dangerous cities.
VIGIL TO HONOUR THE DECEASED STUDENT
NMU, together with student organisations, will hold a Night Vigil for the student on 16 October 2025.
The event will take place at The Kraal at 20:00.
Additionally, the police are calling on anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Ridwaan Baatjies at 073-130-3018.
