Tragedy at Victoria Bay: Two young women drown, families devastated

The death of two Nelson Mandela University students in Victoria Bay has left two families and the university community in deep mourning.

- Marguerite van Ginkel

The incident is one of a series of tragic losses that have shaken this institution in recent weeks.

"Our family are very saddened by the passing of our dearest daughter. May she continue being an angel like she was when she was still alive."

George Herald spoke to Samkelisiwe Nxumalo, the older sister of Aphile Jozana (20), one of two students who were involved in a drowning incident that took place at Victoria Bay on Friday 31 Oktober. According to the available reports, the two students had disappeared into the water. Both were later retrieved by emergency personnel, however, the paramedics declared one of them, Lihle Shenxane, dead on the scene.

Jozana was ambulanced to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Her condition was serious at the time. She died on Sunday 2 November.

Nxumalo expressed the family's profound grief and said only one member could travel to George to assist the police with identification. Her father and other family members were unable to make the long journey owing to the travel costs.