New details emerge from Stellenbosch ‘hit-and-run’ investigation

The road accident that resulted in the death of a Stellenbosch University (SU) student leader is currently being investigated as a culpable homicide case, according to the Stellenbosch South African Police Service (SAPS). 

The case was previously thought to have been a potential hit-and-run incident, but is being investigated as a case of culpable homicide as the driver of the vehicle involved did not leave the scene.

This was according to Sergeant Jason Rhoda of Stellenbosch SAPS, who confirmed that a member of the SU Student Representative Council (SRC), Nomzamo Buthelezi, was killed in a road accident in Stellenbosch on 2 May.

Rhoda added that “the driver of the vehicle has been interviewed and his warning statement [confirmation that your rights have been read to you] has been obtained from him”. The vehicle in question was a tow truck, he said.

A student crosses a section of Merriman Avenue close to where a road accident, which resulted in the death of Nomzamo Buthelezi, took place. PHOTO: Giuseppe Rajkumar Guerandi

Current developments in the investigation

The investigation is currently in an “advanced stage”, according to Rhoda, “with only the forensic evidence still outstanding”.

Stellenbosch SAPS confirmed that there was an eyewitness to the incident who is being probed for information. 

“[The witness’s] statement is yet to be obtained for reasons sensitive to the investigation,” said Rhoda.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning on Merriman Avenue — a street on which there are municipal public closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, according to Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson for Stellenbosch Municipality. However, the municipality does not have a camera installed at the specific location of the incident, said Grobbelaar.

“Our law enforcement department will, however, assist SAPS in their investigation in any way that they can,” said Grobbelaar.

Stellenbosch SAPS confirmed that they have obtained camera footage of the incident in the course of their investigation.

A protea has been tied to a robot on Merriman Avenue, marking the location of the incident in which Nomzamo Buthelezi was killed. PHOTO: Giuseppe Rajkumar Guerandi

Remembering Nomzamo Buthelezi

Outside of the investigation, Buthelezi is missed by those who knew her, according to Zizo Vokwana, a fellow SU student. 

“She was an amazing person. She was always happy. She always wanted people to be okay…like mentally checking up on people,” said Vokwana, in remembrance of her late friend and colleague in student leadership. “We really lost a good person.”

An instagram post by the Student Representative Council (SRC) of Stellenbosch University, in honour of Nomzamo Buthelezi. The caption under the post reads: “We have lost an incredible member of our team…You have left a footprint in each of our lives. You will be dearly missed”. PHOTO: Supplied/SRC Stellenbosch

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