- A DUT student committed suicide after hearing her partner had been killed during the unrest.
- The student died at an outsourced residence, the university said.
- The unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng claimed the lives of 276 people.
Three first-year students from Durban University of Technology (DUT) died last week during the violent unrest, according to the institution.
Andile Dlamini and Mpilwenhle Khethokuhle Mchunu were killed during the unrest.
DUT said the third student, an 18-year-old female, died after hearing her partner was killed during the unrest, spokesperson Alan Khan said.
The university said the young woman's family had asked that her identity not be revealed due to the sensitivity around her passing.
It was also unable to reveal who her partner was.
Khan said the woman committed suicide at an outsourced residence, Royal O'Flaherty.
Dlamini was an industrial engineering student and Mchunu a textile and clothing student.
"Both Mr Dlamini and Mr Mchunu lived off-campus. Details related to their passing can be obtained from the police. This matter is under police investigation and only SAPS can provide you with further clarity," the spokesperson said.
KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng were hit by widespread unrest, which saw stores, warehouses and malls looted and ransacked.
The unrest resulted in the deaths of 276 people.
At least 139 schools were damaged as a result of the violence.
"The Durban University of Technology would like to convey its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the three students who tragically passed on over the last week.
"This very tragic series of events has resulted in a great loss to the DUT community, especially for their faculties and departments," Khan said.
He added that DUT was saddened and shocked by the tragedy - and called on all affected students and staff to reach out to its psycho-social team if they required counselling services.