Durban University of Technology Student Falls to His Death, SA Mourns

• A student from the Durban University of Technology fell to his death on campus on 19 August 2025
• The circumstances behind the mysterious death are under investigation, and the university and police are investigating
• South Africans discussed what could have caused him to fall, as some suggested that stress had caused him to take his own life

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered a range of criminal activities, including cash-in-transit heists, kidnappings, taxi violence, police investigations, police shootouts, and court cases at Daily Sun for over three years.

DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL —The Durban University of Technology confirmed that one of its students died after falling to his death on 19 August 2025 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The university posted the announcement on its Facebook page and said that the South African Police Service is investigating the incident. KZN VIP Protection Services spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said that the student fell to his death, and the circumstances leading to the death are under investigation.

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The university said that it made counselling support available to staff and students. The university also said that the student's name will be released once the family is notified.

Students who died on campus

A third-year Tshwane University of Technology student was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend, and her body was discovered on 3 February 2023. The 21-year-old student was found with multiple stab wounds on her neck. She was last seen alive having drinks with her ex-boyfriend.

A Walter Sisulu University student in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, was killed and two others were injured during a shooting at a protest on 15 April 2025. The students protested against the campus manager's alleged mistreatment. They demanded that he be removed and accused him of shooting another student three weeks prior.

The slain student was remembered for his kindness and dedication. The student's classmate remembered him as a calm person who did not like chaos.

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What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on Facebook were devastated by the incident.

Siyabonga Sibaya Ntombela said:

"It is disheartening and triggering to see students taking their lives. It is a reminder for those working in public institutions to be more compassionate and understanding of the different challenges young people encounter."

Thembalethu Scelo said:

"I don't blame him. DUT is stressing."

Lwethu DjM-max said:

"I believe all tests should be postponed for this week to allow students time to heal and process this loss."

Lindani Lierh said:

"DUT and NSFAS are the main causes of students' anxiety."

Sabatha Thandanani said:

"My brothers and sisters, don't ever commit suicide. You are a brighter light to your family when you are in this beautiful institution."

Anganathi Quinton Soviti said:

"University is draining emotionally and mentally."

North West student dies after running at school

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In a related article, Briefly News reported that a North West high school student died after she was forced to run around the school for being late.

The learner reportedly collapsed, and the ambulance did not respond on time. A teacher took her to the hospital, where she died.

Source: Briefly News