A devastating incident unfolded at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, in the early hours of March 16, 2025, leaving one student dead and ten others injured. A 22-year-old male student lost his life when a suspected drunk taxi driver rammed into a group of students during a gathering on campus.
According to police reports, the students were attending a welcoming celebration organized for first-year students. The atmosphere of joy and festivity turned tragic as the group was walking toward the campus shuttles when the driver of a speeding Toyota Quantum taxi plowed through the crowd.
The University’s Student Representative Council (SRC) confirmed the incident, stating that the students were dispersing after the event when the taxi appeared out of nowhere, striking several students. The driver attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by police.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Beetge, provided further details on the incident. “It is alleged that the taxi was speeding when it drove into the crowd, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old male student. Ten others sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical. Two students were critically injured, six were in serious condition, and two suffered minor injuries,” he said.
Emergency services responded swiftly, and the injured were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The names of the victims have not yet been released, pending the notification of their families.
The 24-year-old taxi driver was arrested on the scene, and the vehicle was impounded for further investigation. Police have opened cases of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, as well as drunk driving. The investigation is being handled by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Humewood.
Colonel Beetge also confirmed that alcohol was suspected to be a contributing factor, although official test results are pending. “The reckless behavior displayed by the driver is unacceptable. The safety of students and all citizens must be a priority, and such acts of negligence will not be tolerated,” he added.
The incident has left the NMU community in shock and mourning. Messages of condolences have poured in from students, faculty, and the wider community, expressing sympathy and calling for stricter measures against drunk and reckless driving, especially near campuses.
Nelson Mandela University management has pledged support to the families of the victims and assured that counseling services will be made available to those affected by the tragedy. The SRC has also vowed to work with university authorities to improve safety measures on campus to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, students and staff are left grappling with the loss of a fellow student during what was supposed to be a joyous occasion. The university community remains united in seeking justice for the victims and calling for accountability.
