The founder and CEO of Black Women in Science, Ndoni Mcunu sadly passed away over the weekend while on a trip with friends in the Cradle of Humankind.

A statement from the Mcunu family said, “It is with great sadness to inform you of the untimely passing of our beloved daughter Ndoni Mcunu.

“She passed away on Saturday, April 16 in Krugersdorp. Ndoni Mcunu (PhD candidate) was an advocate for climate change in Africa and the founder of Black Women in Science.

We loved and adored her deeply. The family appreciates all the messages of love and support from friends, colleagues in South Africa, the African continent and across the world.”

A statement from Black Women in Science said, “The family of Ndoni Mcunu, the founder of Black Women in Science has confirmed the passing of the environmental scientist in Krugersdorp on April 16”.

The statement goes on to say that the Krugersdorp Police who notified the family of the death cited a gas leak at the accommodation venue as the probable cause of death, pending the outcome of a post mortem and the conclusion of the police investigation.

Gauteng District Police provided the News with a statement from District Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana. “An inquest docket has been opened for investigation at the Krugersdorp Police Station after two female bodies were found at the camping site around Kromdraai on Saturday, April 16 at approximately 14:30.

Police received a complaint and swiftly attended to it and found two females sleeping on separate beds covered with blankets. There was an open gas bottle connected to the heater inside the tent as well as alcohol. Medical assistance was summoned to the scene and certified them dead.

“An inquest docket was opened for investigation to establish the cause of death,” Kekana concluded.

The family has asked for privacy while they mourn and attend to the matter.

A memorial service for Mcunu will be held on Friday, April 22 and a funeral service will be held on April 30.