Wits identifies worker who died after inhaling fumes from a fire extinguisher

Wits University has identified the cleaner who died several days after inhaling carbon dioxide (CO2) during a #FeesMustFall protest at one of the university’s residences on 20 September.

“It was with great sadness that the university learnt about the passing of Mr Celumusa Ntuli,” a statement from the university read. “Mr Ntuli was a cleaner on the Wits Braamfontein campus and passed away last week. Mr Ntuli (39), from Soweto, was cleaning the Jubilee Hall of Residence last Tuesday, when protesters entered and released fire extinguishers.”

Ntuli became ill and was taken to the Wits Campus Health and Wellness Centre before being rushed to Netcare Milpark Hospital. He was treated at the hospital for three days and then discharged. “He went home but then developed complications. His family tried to get him back to the hospital but he passed away while being transported.”

Wits spokesperson, Shiron Patel, explained that the cause of death is still unknown. “It could have been a previous illness or anything,” she said. “Wits Security are conducting an investigation. Until we have the medical records from the previous employer, we cannot determine the cause of death,” she continued.

Patel said that many students opened fire extinguishers around the university to chase people out on that particular day, and Wits Security were interviewing people and looking at video footage to ensure that every student who did so would face disciplinary action. Non-students would face criminal charges. She said there were just too many protesting students for Wits Security to control on the day.

She extended the university’s sympathies to the family of the worker.

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