Search for UFS student comes to tragic end
On October 21, Executive Management of UFS said it was informed by SAPS that Amkelani Nhlanhla Thwala had passed away.
The search for student, Amkelani Thwala (21) has come to a tragic end. The University of Free State (UFS) issued a statement today about the passing of the student, who went missing on September 6.
“On [October 21], the Executive Management of UFS was informed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that Amkelani Nhlanhla Thwala has passed away. Amkelani was studying through the university’s South Campus and was based at Kwetlisong Centre in Phuthadjitjhaba. This comes after the management of the Qwaqwa Campus, SAPS and a private investigator relentlessly searched for Amkelani after being reported missing on [September 6].”
Amkelani was reported to have been hiking from QwaQwa (Free State) to Newcastle on the day he went missing. The university further stated he was last seen in the Setsing area and was apparently on his way home.
“The university’s Executive Management expresses its sincere condolences to his family and friends for their sad loss and wishes them strength during this difficult time, especially because of the time it took to establish his whereabouts. It has come to light that Amkelani was involved in a car accident near the Bergville Tollgate on the day he went missing.”
SAPS Phuthaditjaba official, Warrant Officer Mopharine confirmed this was the case:
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Amkelani. He was found in Ladysmith and was able to be traced because of his bank card that was found near the scene. Amkelani was knocked over by a car and the driver came forward. He said on the day of the incident, he tried to stop other cars from where Amkelani was hit but vehicles kept running over him until his body was unrecognisable. There’s a case of culpable homicide that has been opened.”
The Newcastle Advertiser extends its sincere condolences to Amkelani’s family and friends.
ORIGINAL STORY: Distraught family prays for the safe return of Amkelani
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