The search for missing Durban University of Technology (DUT) student, Manqoba Mnyandu (20), has ended in tragedy after his body was discovered in Pietermaritzburg.

Mnyandu, a third-year nursing student at DUT’s Indumiso Campus, was last seen more than a week ago before he failed to return to his student residence in Imbali. According to reports, he had stepped out briefly, leaving his cellphone in his room, but never came back. His roommate reported him missing when hours passed without his return.

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KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that Mnyandu’s body was found on Thursday in a bush not far from his residence. He added that an inquest docket has been opened and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.

Family members have also confirmed the devastating news.

DUT senior director of corporate affairs, Alan Khan, expressed the university’s sorrow following the confirmation of Mnyandu’s death.

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“On behalf of the University, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew him. May his soul rest in peace,” said Khan.

This latest tragedy comes as the DUT community is still mourning the loss of another student, Sphiwokuhle Madela, a third-year Diagnostic Radiography student at the Steve Biko Campus, who also passed away earlier this week.

“We recognise that this has been an extremely painful and difficult week for the DUT family. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those mourning the loss of both Mr Mnyandu and Mr Madela,” Khan added.

The discovery of Mnyandu’s body has left fellow students and the wider Pietermaritzburg community in shock, with tributes pouring in on social media.

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