Free State medical student stabbed to death in Cuba

Free State medical student stabbed to death in Cuba
2016-01-05 15:50
Jenna Etheridge, News24

Cape Town – A Free State medical student based in Cuba has been stabbed
to death, allegedly by locals, while on a night out on the town with
fellow students.

The "alcohol-related" attack on the three students took place just
before midnight on December 28, national health department spokesperson
Popo Maja confirmed to News24 on Tuesday.

He said the man, in his early twenties, had been a second-year-student
based at the Latin American Medical School (ELAM). His identity is known
to News24.

The attack happened at the Baracoa restaurant/bar, in the town next to
the medical school.

Maja could not provide further details, but said the department was
confident the attack would be thoroughly investigated.

It is understood that the three students decided to meet up with other
students after a day of eating and drinking.

A local man allegedly hit the Free State student in the face and he
apparently returned the blow.

When they tried to get off the street and into the bar, security guards
allegedly refused to let them in because they believed "South Africans
were always involved in fights".

Their pleading fell on deaf ears and they had to return to the street.

It is understood that three Cuban men armed themselves with bottles
before attacking them.

The Free State student was hit on the head with a bottle and lay
motionless on the ground. His friend covered his body to protect him
from the blows and was stabbed in the arm.

The student was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the chest.
Doctors tried to save him, but it was too late.

It is understood that authorities had arrested three men in connection
with the murder.

The family was "shocked and deeply saddened" by their son's untimely
death, said Maja.

A memorial service was held in Cuba. His body was expected to be
returned to South Africa later on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The department expressed its heartfelt condolences to his family,
friends and colleagues.

"As a country, his death has robbed us of a potential doctor in our
endeavours to close the critical scarce medical professional skills
gap," said Maja.

"Whenever we send these compatriots to Cuba, it is our wish to see them
return to the service of their country and their people. To lose any of
our students to death is too tragic to bear."

Source: Free State medical student stabbed to death in Cuba | News24 -
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