The university will provide counselling services to students and staff through the CUT wellness centre, and it has also suspended all academic activities at the Welkom campus on Tuesday (30/9). The fourth-year B.Ed. Economics and Management Science student fell ill and passed in the presence of fellow students and staff.

The university will ensure that all affected individuals receive the necessary emotional and psychological support during this difficult time. “CUT extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, classmates, and lecturers of T.M ‘Nonny’ Tilo,” said CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Pamela Dube. 

“This is a profound loss of a young life with so much promise, and we mourn together as a university community. May the departed soul of Ms Tilo rest in eternal peace. 

“The university is working closely with the dean of students and the student leadership to ensure that all affected individuals receive counselling.”

Meanwhile, a Colesberg man is due back in the local magistrate’s court on Monday, 17 November, in connection with his girlfriend’s murder, a CUT student, after the case was postponed for further investigations. Siphosovuyo Yabo (21) appeared in the same court in August. 

He is expected to reapply for bail and will be represented by an attorney from Legal Aid because of a dispute with his legal team. 

‘Will be brought to book and face the full might of the law’

Yabo has been remanded in custody until his next court date. He was arrested following the murder of Alulutho Buba (19), a first-year Central University of Technology student.

“The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) remains committed to intensifying its efforts in the prosecution of gender-based violence and femicide,” said Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane.

“The NPA further reaffirms its stance that those who commit such heinous crimes will be brought to book and face the full might of the law.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh