Students at University of Free State were shot and left for dead in the early hours of Wednesday. Four students were shot by balaclava-clad robbers after ripping them off their money and their electronics during what was believed to being their study group session in Botjhabela Village.

Two of the young men died on scene as a result of gunshot wounds, the other two were taken to Mofumahadi Manapo Regional Hospital in critical conditions and currently in ICU.  Another person’s death similar to the students is being investigated.

University of Free State expressed sadness and shock at the deaths of its students in separate incidents, the incidents took place in both Phuthaditjhaba and at their Bloemfontein campus. The police discovered two male bodies with fatal gunshot wounds on the scene, friends of the deceased assisted with the identification of the victims.

According to the police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele,” The students were at their rental accommodation in Botjhabela Village when three robbers wearing balaclavas attacked them around 00:40.” When they arrived, they discovered a group of students who were believed to be studying at the University of Free State’s Qwaqwa Branch. Makhele stated.

It’s also claimed the students were at their rental home when three balaclava-clad suspects approached them and demanded cash, laptops, and cellphones. The exact number of stolen items is still unknown. Once the next of kin have been notified, the names of the deceased and injured will be released, according to the police statement.

Also on Wednesday morning, a student living in one of the men’s residences at the Bloemfontein campus of the UFS, was discovered in his room. “It is not clear when he died. SAPS is investigating, and as with the incident in Phuthaditjhaba, more information cannot be shared at this time,” UFS said.

The university administration has stated that it will provide as much assistance as possible to the families and students in the hospital. The police are looking into two murders, two attempted murders, and a house robbery, according to Makhele.

Anyone with information that could lead to the successful arrests and convictions of the suspects should contact Phuthaditjhaba Detective Service, Colonel Morena Motloung at 082 479 3313 and Captain Boy Makubu at 082 332 3418, or Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or submit information through My SAPS App,” said a police spokesperson.