The family of a University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) student who drowned in a swimming pool at a private student accommodation in Pinetown on Sunday, 6 March said they are still coming to terms with his untimely passing. The first year Bachelor of Education learner who studied at the Edgewood Campus, Siphesihle Masuku, 18, has been described as a gentleman who was a people’s person.
Speaking to The Westville Weekly Gazette, the deceased’s distraught mother, Thulebona Nyawo said, “My son was an angel, a gentleman and a people’s person. He was a loving person. He left Pongola, our home town to further his studies in Durban as he had dreams of being a teacher. As the family, we will miss him as someone who was always calm and respected elders. Even the caretaker of an accommodation where he was staying at has described him as a calm person. He loved reading in his spare time.” The swimming pool where Masuku drowned is at a private residence at Shirvic Crescent Ashley in Pinetown. Police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said an inquest docket was opened at Pinetown Police Station following the incident. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated,” she said.
UKZN executive director of corporate relations, Normah Zondo said, “The University Management regrets to inform that a first-year student drowned in a swimming pool at a private accommodation in Pinetown. The student was in the pool with two other students at the time of the incident which took place approximately 4pm on Sunday, 6 March. University Risk Management Services and police attended to the scene and are still investigating.” She added that the university has arranged counselling services to be provided to the two students who witnessed the incident. “The university will also provide support to the family. Management is deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Zondo. Nyawo said the family is hoping to lay him to rest on Saturday, 12 March. “We are still waiting for the post-morterm examination results but as the family, we would like to lay our him to rest on Saturday,” she said. Masuku is survived by his mother, younger sister and brother.
