Third-year education student Onalenna Selebogo, 21, was reportedly found murdered in her flat in Phokeng, Rustenburg, on Sunday (3/8). Her sudden passing has shaken the university community and drawn renewed attention to the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa.

“The NWU condemns all forms of gender-based violence and femicide in the strongest terms. We continue our fight against GBV, a national disaster that should continue to be addressed urgently and collectively by all sectors of society,” said Mahikeng campus spokesperson Oscar Mosiane.

“No one should fear for their lives in places where they should feel safe, their homes, campuses, or communities.”

The university expressed its devastation over the loss, remembering Selebogo as a vibrant and promising young woman who had a passion for education and a bright future ahead.

“Onalenna’s passing is not only a tragedy to her family and friends but also to the NWU community. She was a beautiful soul with a passion for education and a bright future ahead of her. Her untimely and violent death has shaken us all.”

Mosiane reiterated the university’s commitment to tackling GBV through awareness, education, and empowerment. The institution runs an active gender-based violence awareness programme, involving both students and staff. Just two days before Onalenna’s death, the university hosted a GBV-focused self-defence workshop for female students.

In addition to its anti-GBV efforts, the university remains engaged in ongoing campaigns to ensure the safety and well-being of all students across its campuses.

“The student diversity and transformation committee, a subcommittee of the NWU Council, is regularly updated on measures taken to prevent not only GBV but also to ensure the general safety of our students,” Mosiane said.

NWU has extended its condolences to the Selebogo family, Onalenna’s classmates, lecturers, and the wider student body.

Counselling and trauma support services have been made available to all affected members of the NWU community. The university has urged anyone in need to reach out to the student counselling and development centre or their campus health services.

A memorial service to honour Selebogo’s life is being planned through the student campus council’s current affairs office. Further details will be communicated in the coming days.

North West police spokesperson Adele Myburg said the deceased's boyfriend appeared in Rustenburg court on Thursday (7/8) after handing himself over to police. He remains in custody until his next court appearance on Monday.

 OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs