One student killed and two injured at Walter Sisulu University

A student has been shot and killed at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

Two other students were wounded and rushed to hospital.

It is understood that the students were allegedly shot by a residence manager on Tuesday morning.

Shooting

MEC for Community Safety Xolile Nqatha confirmed the shooting incident at the institution of higher learning.

“A conflict erupted between students who went to the house of the residence manager to throw stones. He then fired at them, and three students were wounded and hospitalised.”

Nqatha said one student succumbed to his injuries.

“The police are investigating the matter. We call for calm from all those who are involved, including students. Violence is not the solution, whatever their grievances are,” Nqatha told eNCA.

Nqatha said the management of Walter Sisulu University must provide “leadership” to ensure that conflict issues are resolved peacefully.

Protest

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said students allegedly started complaining about the bad state of their residence on Monday evening.

Gantana said the students went to the residence manager, who stays on the institution’s grounds with his family, early on Tuesday morning to confront him about the poor state of their residence.

“It is alleged that the residence manager shot two male students; one died on the scene and another one survived and was rushed to hospital for medical care.

“It is further reported that students mobilised, and in the process, the residence manager’s car was set alight, and his wife was hit on the head with a hard object. The family was rescued by Mthatha Public Order Policing,” Gantana said.

He added that no arrests have been made.

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Ramaphosa visit

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape on Tuesday. He will engage with the provincial executive committee and receive a briefing on the Port of Ngqura.

During the visit, Ramaphosa is expected to receive an update on plans to improve operational efficiencies at the port and projects currently underway. 

Ramaphosa and his Cabinet will also meet with Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and his executive council to discuss conditions and opportunities in the province as part of strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, collaboration and consultation.

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