DURBAN – The family of an 18-year-old University of KwaZulu-Natal first-year student is devastated after he drowned in a swimming pool.
Siphesihle Masuku, of KwaDabeka, Pinetown, was swimming with two other students at a new university residence in Mariannhill on Sunday afternoon when he drowned.
When the Daily News visited the family, the Edgewood Campus students and his family were still finding it difficult to talk about the incident.
His mother, Thulebona Nyawo, said she had left the residence less than an hour before she was asked to return quickly. She said she had gone to give her son essential items after he had moved there last week. Little did she know it was the last time she would speak to him.
The mother said according to the briefing they received her son got into the swimming pool then disappeared under the water.
She said students first thought he was cooling off but when they realised he had been underwater for longer than a person would normally be, they started to panic and called for help.
“I am unable to explain more details surrounding the incident because I’m still upset. It was just less than an hour with him but nothing crossed my mind that it was the last moment together. He accompanied me to the gate and said he would see me another day. He was rushing to cool off in the pool because it was hot,” said the mother.
The university’s management said the incident was regrettable.
Corporate relations executive director Norma Zondo said the University Risk Management Services and SAPS were at the scene and were investigating.
“The university has arranged for counselling services to be provided to the two students who witnessed the incident. The university will also provide support to the family. The management is deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Zondo.
Daily News