South Africa: Police Probe Death of Nursing Student in Soweto

· A concerned friend alerted security after failing to reach the 19-year-old first-year nursing student at her residence in Soweto.

· Security officials entered the room and found the student unresponsive on Tuesday night.

A cloud of grief has settled over Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College after a first-year student was found dead in her residence room.

The 19-year-old student was discovered on Tuesday night after a worried friend asked security officials to check on her.

The Gauteng Department of Health said the friend became concerned when they could not reach the young woman.

Security officers accompanied the friend to the student's room at about 8.30pm.

When they entered, they found the student unresponsive.

Emergency procedures were immediately followed, but the young woman could not be saved.

The South African Police Service has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service attended the scene and transported the student's body to the mortuary for further examination.

The department said the investigation is continuing and the cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

The tragic death has left fellow students, lecturers and staff deeply shocked.

In response, the Gauteng Department of Health has activated counselling and psychosocial support services at the college.

Support is also being provided to the student's grieving family.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona conveyed the department's condolences.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow students of the late student nurse. We ask that their privacy be respected as they go through this period of mourning," said Mabona.

He said the department remains committed to supporting everyone affected by the tragedy while police continue with their investigation.

The nursing college, one of the country's leading training institutions, is now mourning the loss of a young student whose dream was to become a nurse.

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

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