DURBAN - THE mother of a first-year student at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) said she is trusting God after the death of her son, who drowned at a private student accommodation in Pinetown on Sunday afternoon.
Thulebona Nyawo from Pongola, mother of Siphesihle Masuku, who was registered for a Bachelor of Education degree at UKZN’s Edgewood campus, said her son was a peaceful person who wanted everyone to be happy.
“Whenever Sihle was around, you knew that everything would be okay. He respected people and his elders,” said Nyawo.
According to a student, who asked not to be named, Masuku had been with friends when he decided he wanted to swim.
“He said he wanted to swim and jumped into the pool. However, he jumped into the deep side of the swimming pool. After a few seconds of not seeing him, the students who were swimming with him looked for Masuku and realised that he was drowning. They tried to help him but could not, and that is when they called for help,” said the student.
UKZN executive director of corporate relations Normah Zondo confirmed the incident and said the university extended its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
“The student was in the pool with two other students at the time of the incident, which took place at approximately 4pm on Sunday. University Risk Management services and SAPS attended the scene and are investigating,” said Zondo.
She said the university would provide counselling to the students who witnessed the incident. Zondo said the university would also provide support to the family.
“Management is deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life,” said Zondo.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said an inquest docket was opened at Pinetown police station after a student drowned at a Pinetown residence on Sunday.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated,” said Mbele.
THE MERCURY