The university spokesperson, Lacea Loader, tells OFM News the student - identified as Litemba Mpambani - was fatally hit by a car at the intersection in front of the UFS main gate. She says the university has sent their deepest sympathies to Litemba’s family, friends, and lecturers after their loss. Loader has described the deceased, believed to be from Gqebhera in the Eastern Cape - as a promising and talented artist who has achieved a number of accolades. The police are investigating a docket of culpable homicide.

Loader adds that Mpambani has received accolades such as being a finalist in the 2019 New Breed Art competition; 2019 State of the Arts Award (top 20); and the Orms Circle Top 5 Artists. 

“The UFS remains concerned about the risk of pedestrians crossing the intersection in front of the main gate of the Bloemfontein Campus and the associated danger; this has been brought to the attention of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality on several occasions. The incident is being investigated by the South African Police Service, with the necessary support from the university’s Protection Services,” she further adds.

OFM News