Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University student, Hunadi Magongoa, shocked everybody on campus when she died allegedly from food poisoning. The second year medicine student is said to have eaten food from the university’s cafeteria on Friday 30 August and died on Sunday 1 September.
The University has stated that it is conducting an investigation alongside other stakeholders to determine the cause of death. The university stated, in a press release, that the cafeteria has been closed until further notice, however, alternative goods and services will be provided by a successful bidder.
Acting vice-chancellor Prof O Ayo-Yusuf stated, ‘As reported to the university community previously, a multi-disciplinary team has commenced with its investigation early in the week.
The university team has now been joined by experts from the Provincial Department of Health, City of Tshwane Municipality and the South African Police Services. The state has also opened an inquest docket on the matter and an autopsy examination will be conducted by the forensic pathologists to determine the cause of death.’
A candle light prayer was held on campus in her memory and her friends and the soccer team she played for will receive psycho-social support. Condolences also poured in from Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Blade Ndzimande who appealed to SMU to do a thorough investigation.
