WATCH: Walter Sisulu University’s protest shooting denial

The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has denied that the person killed during an early morning protest at its Mthatha campus was a registered student.

The university shared the update hours after chaos erupted at its main campus in Mthatha on Tuesday.

Death

One person died, and two others were injured during the shooting.

WSU said the protest erupted without prior notice, and no formal grievance or letter of demand was submitted to the university’s management.

‘Not a student’

Director of special projects in the WSU Vice-Chancellor’s office, Ndiyakholwa Ngqulu, said the university’s database has no record of the person who was killed, despite some students reiterating that the individual was registered at WSU.

WATCH: Ndiyakholwa Ngqulu speaking about the incident at Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

“Each year, people register to be students at the university. Some graduate, some leave, and some come back. As of today, Walter Sisulu University registration for undergraduates and postgraduates has closed.

“In our database, the name we have received and the details of the alleged person who has died is not a student,” Ngqulu said.

The institution said management was caught off guard by Tuesday’s activities, claiming they were unaware of the issues raised.

ALSO READ: One student killed and two injured at Walter Sisulu University

Shooting

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said that the group of students, unhappy with their living conditions, allegedly stormed into the residence manager’s on-campus house to air their grievances.

“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.

Investigation

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane said she had engaged with Vice-Chancellor Professor Rushiella Songca to obtain the full details of the incident.

“Dr Nkabane is resolute that no student should ever be harmed while accessing their right to education. This must be the last time we are forced to respond to such a tragedy at our institutions of higher learning.”

DA Eastern Cape legislature leader Yusuf Cassim called for an independent investigation into the incident.

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