Police are conducting a judicial death investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jonathan Gouws (21), a student at North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus.
No foul play is suspected, according to Captain Sam Tselanyane, police spokesperson for the North West province.
Gouws was found dead in a residence storage room on Wednesday morning, 16 July, university officials confirmed.
The discovery was made by the residence house-father when students went looking for Gouws after being unable to contact him. Paramedics declared the student dead at the scene.
Emergency student meeting
Gouws, was a second year law student according to information and also served as a house committee member at his residence.
“It is always extremely difficult for the university when a student dies, regardless of the circumstances,” Louis Jacobs, NWU spokesperson, stated.
The residence scheduled an emergency meeting with students on Wednesday night. Counselling services have been arranged for affected students, and the university has committed to providing ongoing psychological support.
“The student’s parents have been notified of the tragedy and were traveling to Potchefstroom. The university will provide accommodation and counseling services for the family during this difficult time.”
Growing mental health crisis
The incident highlights a concerning trend affecting South African universities, according to a psychologist who works with students on campuses. She agreed to speak to NovaNews on condition of anonymity.
“Students today face multiple stressors that significantly impact their mental health,” the psychologist explained. “The transition from school to university represents a major adjustment, and many students arrive with unprocessed trauma that affects their ability to succeed academically.”
Financial pressures
The expert pointed to several contributing factors, with financial stress being a primary concern. Many students struggle with food security due to inefficient payments from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), while others face pressure to send money home to support their families from their limited resources.
“Other bursaries are difficult to obtain, which also affects middle-class families. This creates additional pressure on students to complete their degrees as quickly as possible,” the psychologist noted.
Academic struggles and stigma
First-time academic failure often proves devastating for students who internalise setbacks as personal shortcomings, leading to anxiety and depression. Cultural stigma surrounding mental health issues prevents many students from seeking help.
“In many cultural groups, psychological problems like anxiety and depression remain taboo. This contributes to students not reaching out for assistance when they need it most,” the psychologist explained.
Students often find themselves isolated and far from their usual support systems, with untreated depression worsening over time. In severe cases, some students begin to view suicide as their only option for relief.
Systemic challenges
University mental health units across South Africa work with extremely limited resources while facing constant pressure to meet growing demand for services.
“The suicide statistics reflect what’s happening in our broader society and the immense pressure our support systems are under,” the psychologist concluded.
The tragic incident at NWU Potchefstroom serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and intervention programs at South African universities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available through university counseling services, or the Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567.
