The University of Pretoria community was shocked after a postgraduate student was shot dead outside TuksDorp residence in Hatfield in the early hours of September 10.

It is reported that the shooting happened after an altercation on Grosvenor and South streets at 01:40. The shooter allegedly gunned down the student for his cellphone and attempted to escape with an accomplice in a car. UP spokesperson Rikus Delport confirmed the shooter and his accomplice were, however, caught and arrested by SAPS.

A video of the incident made the rounds on social media in which the shooter can be seen approaching the victim, who was walking alone. The man then shot the student in the chest before searching his body and making his getaway.

Responders attempted to stabilise the student, but he died shortly after.

Delport said the university is providing counselling to the victim’s friends and family.

The university’s students’ representative council (SRC) said in a statement that two people had been arrested in connection with the shooting.

It is with great shock and sadness that the University of Pretoria (UP) confirms the death of one of our students in the early hours of Saturday morning in Hatfield, close to the Tuksdorp residence. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/6qiox0YrTk

— University of Pretoria (@UPTuks) September 13, 2022

The SRC added it will hold a vigil for the student on Thursday at 16:00 outside TuksDorp. The council called for an increase in security measures to ensure students’ safety in the vicinity of the university.

The university said they are saddened by the news and reminded students to make use of safety facilities such as their after-hours security escorted Green Routes.

#Justice4Thapelo #hatfield #Tuks 💔😭🕊 Please share and retweet. pic.twitter.com/e8PraqtKNP

— Bhubhesi ✨ (@FumaneJafta) September 13, 2022

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EFFSC UP statement on the murder of University of Pretoria student on Grosvenor Street, Hatfield. pic.twitter.com/QnApPcJgKW

— EFFSC UP (@EFFSC_UP) September 13, 2022