A 20-year-old Rhodes University student briefly appeared in the Grahamstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning (15 June 2015) on charges of culpable homicide, the University’s media relations officer Catherin Deiner said in a statement Monday evening.
A 20-year-old Rhodes University student briefly appeared in the Grahamstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning (15 June 2015) on charges of culpable homicide, the University’s media relations officer Catherin Deiner said in a statement Monday evening.
The young man’s appearance was in connection with the death of 20-year-old Khanya Ndimba in a hit-and-run incident.
Police and the University officially named Ndimba as the victim only today, although she was named soon after the incident in social media.
Ndimba, a third-year Rhodes student, was hit by a vehicle while crossing New Street the early hours of Saturday 13 June. She had been studying with friends at the University library, Deiner said.
She said the student was released on R500 bail and the case has been remanded to 21 July 2015 for further investigation.
Ndimba was in her third year, studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Deiner said Rhodes University’s Director of Student Affairs, Dr Colleen Vassiliou, had been in contact with the families of both students during what she described as an “incredibly difficult time”.
“It is a sad time for the University as we mourn the loss of Ms Ndimba who had a bright future ahead of her,” Deiner said.
Deiner said arrangements for Ndimba’s funeral are being organised by her family and would be communicated in due course.
“A memorial service will be organised in consultation with her family and respecting their wishes,” Deiner said. “The University is providing the necessary support to the Ndimba family who have asked for privacy as they come to terms with their huge loss.
“Rhodes University would like to extend their sincere thanks to Netcare, Lieutenant-Colonel Willie du Plooy from the South African Police Service and to Lisl Griffioen, the Warden of New House.”
The Rhodes University Counselling Centre was available to anyone in need of support, Deiner said.
“Rhodes University extends its heartfelt condolences to Ms Ndimba’s family, friends and fellow residents of New House.”
Police said the student driver of the vehicle identified in connection with Ndimba’s death on Saturday 13 June reported to the Grahamstown police station later the same day.
Spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said the young woman died at the scene of the incident, around 3.40am on Saturday 13 June.
"It is alleged that the 20-year-old victim was in the company of two others when a vehicle travelling at high speed overtook another and ran her over," Govender said in a statement on Saturday morning.
Police said the driver of the vehicle stopped and both the driver and passenger fled the scene.
On Saturday a young man accompanied by a parent reported to the Grahamstown police station, Govender said in a statement today.
“Arrangements were made with the investigating officer to meet on Monday after preparing a statement,” Govender said on Sunday 14 June.
Govender said he was not arrested when he reported to the police station.
In a statement on the SRC Facebook page, the Rhodes SRC described the incident and said, “To her family, close friends and those that knew her, find peace and comfort in the special memories we shared with her.”
In a telephone interview with Grocott’s Mail on Saturday 13 June, as social media flared with reactions to the news, SRC president Zikisa Maqubela said the mood among students was sombre.
“It’s really sad,” he said. “This is someone’s child – all that person could have been in her life… what does one say?”
He said some students were critical, saying that given the amount of activity in Grahamstown this weekend (the annual K-Day schools rugby tournament and the opening of the new Gold Rush entertainment venue at Pepper Grove mall), there should have been a stronger police presence.
