Walter Sisulu University student dies alone in Mthatha residence room after fire breaks out

A 21-year-old Walter Sisulu University (WSU) student was alone in his Mthatha residence room in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday when a fire engulfed the building, according to police.

Although municipal firefighters responded to the blaze, "it was too late", police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo said.

Matyolo was unable to release the student's identity on Wednesday night because his next of kin had not yet been informed.

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University spokesperson Yonela Tukwayo said police would receive a report from the forensics department on the cause of the fire.

"Our utmost priority remains the safety and well-being of our students and staff, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure their continued security," Tukwayo said.