EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA — The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) community has been plunged into deep mourning following the tragic deaths of two students in entirely separate, unrelated freak accidents over the weekend.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched formal inquests into both fatalities, which occurred hours apart in Mthatha and East London.

The first tragedy struck on Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2026, at the Calypso Gardens residential complex in Haven Hills, East London. A 22-year-old female WSU student lost her life in a bizarre and sudden kitchen accident.

According to SAPS provincial spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, preliminary findings suggest the student was preparing food wrapped in aluminum foil inside a microwave. The foil triggered a violent explosion, which immediately sparked a fast-moving fire inside the unit.

"She suffered burns and is believed to have succumbed to smoke inhalation," Gantana confirmed, adding that an inquest docket has officially been opened to probe the exact mechanics of the blast. The second loss occurred just a day earlier, during the early hours of Saturday morning, May 30, 2026. A 19-year-old male WSU student was found dead at Chris Hani Park in Mthatha.

Investigating officers report that the teenager was walking home from a local tavern at around 2:00 AM when he unfortunately slipped on wet ground. As he fell, he landed directly on a glass bottle he was carrying. The bottle shattered upon impact, inflicting a deep, severe laceration on his thigh. Due to the isolated hour and the severity of the wound, the student suffered excessive bleeding and died at the scene. An inquest docket for this case has been registered at the Mthatha Central Police Station.

A SAP has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families and classmates of both victims during this exceptionally difficult time. To conclusively verify the exact cause of death for both students, authorities noted that comprehensive autopsies will be conducted. At this stage, however, no witnesses have come forward regarding either incident.

Brigadier Gantana has urged anyone who may have additional information surrounding the moments leading up to either tragedy to contact their nearest police station or submit an anonymous tip via the MySAPS mobile application.