Staff Reporter
Central University of Technology (CUT) has condemned the death of one of its students allegedly murdered by a man believed to be her boyfriend, describing it as a heartless and senseless killing.
Dimakatso Constance Mokoena, 31, was found dead inside a car in Bayswater, Bloemfontein, last Friday together with the man believed to have killed her.
They both had gunshot wounds to the head and the man had a firearm tucked between his legs.
Police investigations later established that both the vehicle and firearm belonged to the deceased man.
The late Mokoena was a first-year human resources management student at CUT and was originally from Phuthaditjhaba.
“CUT wishes to express heartfelt sadness over her tragic passing,” read part of a statement issued by university spokesperson Dan Maritz.
“The CUT community is extremely shocked by what has happened to our own student, as her death comes at a time when the country is plagued by heinous incidents of gender-based violence,” he added.
The university said it would not speculate on what exactly transpired as the matter is still being investigated by the police and they expect clearer details at the end of the probe.
“We cannot make speculations as to what could have happened at this point in time, as we consider this as a matter under full investigation of the law-enforcement agencies,” Maritz said.
“CUT remains committed to the advancement of women within academia and various professions within the sector.
“The passing away of Dimakatso is not only a loss to her family, but also to the entire CUT community and the nation.
“Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and her fellow students in this moment of grief.”
Free State police last Friday said they had launched a double inquest after the bodies of the two were found inside a gold Opel Zafira near the Gwen Bali Water World on the north-eastern outskirts of the city.
Police were called to the scene by a person who claimed the vehicle had been parked at the waterpark from the previous night.
The engine of the car was still running and the lights were on.
According to police, the man, aged 41, was an IT specialist from Bohlokong, Bethlehem.
Police also said it was believed Mokoena was last seen last Thursday saying she was going to meet her boyfriend, the deceased.
The two are said to have had an argument earlier on.