Maties community in turmoil after second-year student's death

It has been a tragic start to the week for university students in the Western Cape, after another student was found dead inside their residential rooms, this time at Stellenbosch University (SU).

SU on Monday confirmed the death of second-year theology student, Chris Scheffers, saying no foul play was suspected at this stage, but that the cause of death was yet to be determined.

The tragedy comes a week after a fifth-year medical student at the University of Cape Town was found dead inside his room with an inquest docket opened for investigation and a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said of the UCT incident: “Woodstock police registered an inquest following the discovery of the body of a 23-year-old student on July 26 at about 3:34pm, in his room at a premises in Victoria Road, Salt River, Woodstock. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”

In Stellenbosch, the university said: “The SU community learnt with profound sadness on Saturday (August 2) of the passing of a second-year theology student from Riebeek West, Mr Chris Scheffers – a resident of the Dagbreek residence. Although foul play has been ruled out, forensic services are busy determining the cause of death."

Professor Richard Stevens, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Learning and Teaching, extended the university’s condolences to Scheffers’s family.

"The passing of a cherished young life leaves a deep and lasting ache within our university community, and with heavy hearts we mourn alongside the family and friends," he said.

“I want to assure the family that they have the support of the SU community. Our thoughts are also with the student’s friends, including those in Dagbreek, and his classmates.

“Staff members of SU’s Centre for Student Counselling and Development made counselling available to the students in the residence and will continue to offer support going forward.”  

Grant Leukes, residence head of Dagbreek, described Scheffers as an energetic young man who played a big part in Dagbreek’s sêr (serenade) group for the past two years.

“He was involved in res and loved the community he stayed in. We will all miss him dearly and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family,” said Leukes.

“The Dagbreek community will in due course make information available on how his life is to be celebrated in the residence."

Stevens said privacy was also needed for the family. 

“It is important that we not only provide the student’s family and friends the space and time to deal with the loss, but also to allow for the required procedures to be completed," Stevens said.

“The university also appreciates the reaction of ER24 and other role-players like the South African Police Service at this difficulty. SU will continue to provide its support to friends and family of the late Mr Scheffers.”  

SU said students in need of counselling are encouraged to contact the university’s 24-hour Crisis Service on 010 205 3032 after hours and during office hours: 021 808 4994 (Stellenbosch Campus) and 021 927 7020 (Tygerberg Campus). Students can also email [email protected] to arrange individual counselling.

In October 2024, the university was hit by the tragic loss of student, Jesse Mitchell, 19, who was robbed and stabbed to death while riding his bicycle to his residence on his birthday.

Police arrested three suspects initially and accused, Rudolf Hufke, is facing charges for his death.

In the same month, a 19-year-old BSC student from the Dagbreek men’s residence drowned in the Welgevallen irrigation dam above the Coetzenburg Sports Grounds.

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