Parents of UCT student still seeking truth over son’s death

Misverstand Dam Photo: Twitter

Misverstand Dam Photo: Twitter

Published Nov 27, 2018

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Cape Town – The parents of a UCT student who drowned in the Misverstand Dam during a training session with the university’s rowing team two years ago say they are still pursuing the truth surrounding his death.

This week, UCT will host a commemorative event for late student, Mosimanegape “Boyz” Madiba.

Madiba, who was part of the UCT rowing team, died on March 12, 2016.

The first-year student from Alberton was studying towards a BSc in astrophysics, chemistry and mathematics.

At the time, UCT said on completion of the exercise it was noticed that Madiba was missing.

Emergency services, including a diving team, were called in and his body was later found.

The university said it had offered support to the family. But Madiba’s parents believe the university is at fault, although a court has found no basis for a case of negligence.

The student’s father Motsiri Madiba said there was no testing, training or safety measures given and no divers present during the exercise.

Motsiri said he was told the university would unveil a plaque in honour of his son on Thursday. According to Motsiri, the university was doing this as a reminder that “it should not happen to another child”.

“There was no explanation, they didn’t tell us what happened. They refused to let us see his body and said we could only see his face. We are left with many questions.

“(Mosimanegape) told me he wanted to go to UCT because it is a research-based institution. He was only there for five weeks before we got the call (about his death).”

Motsiri also said those present at the training session were told not to talk about what happened.

UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola said the university worked with and fully co-operated with authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the death.

“The SAPS investigation into this tragedy took a long time to complete. The formal inquest was convened on April 21, 2017, more than a year after the tragedy.

"This meant that Mr Madiba’s family had to wait for confirmation that the cause of death was drowning and that it was accidental.

“The university has a duty to make the circumstances of Mr Madiba’s death known to his family and we did so to the best of our ability."

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