The University of Limpopo has confirmed that the 22-year-old woman found dead near its Mankweng campus on Sunday morning was a student at the institution, as police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
The university said the student’s family had been informed and expressed condolences to her relatives, friends, fellow students and colleagues.
African Times News earlier reported that police discovered the woman’s body just outside the University of Limpopo campus in the early hours of Sunday, 4 October 2026.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, officers conducting patrols received information at about 6am about a woman lying motionless near the university fence along Sovenga Street.
Police responded to the scene and found the 22-year-old woman near a trench adjacent to the campus fence.
An initial examination found no visible external injuries, police said.
A bag containing the woman’s identity document and NSFAS card was also found at the scene.
Emergency Medical Services personnel were called and declared the woman dead.
Police have opened an inquest docket as investigations continue to establish exactly what happened.
Police said it is suspected that the woman may have accidentally fallen into the trench, but stressed that the circumstances surrounding her death had not yet been established.
The University of Limpopo has urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and from circulating unverified information while the investigation is under way.
“The cause of death is not yet known. Her family has been notified and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the matter,” the university said in a statement.
The university also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the deceased student and her family during this difficult period.
The University of Limpopo extended its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, fellow students and colleagues.
“May her soul rest in peace,” the university said.
