Gauteng Health mourns death of 19-year-old nursing student at Chris Hani Baragwanath College

The Gauteng Department of Health is mourning the death of a 19-year-old first-year nursing student who was found dead in her residence room at Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College in Soweto.

In a statement on Wednesday, the department said that the student was found on the evening of Tuesday, August 4, at around 8.30pm after a concerned friend requested assistance to check on her.

Security officials, accompanied by the friend, entered the residence room where the student was found unresponsive.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service attended the scene and transported the student's body to the mortuary for further examination.

In the wake of the incident, the department said counselling and psychosocial support services have been activated for students, lecturers and staff at the college. Support is also being provided to the student's family.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow students of the late student nurse. We ask that their privacy be respected as they go through this period of mourning," Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said.

Mabona said the department remains committed to supporting those affected while investigations continue.