By Anita Dangazele
- A student was shot dead during a protest over poor housing, now students say security fired rubber bullets at them.
- Students say guards stormed into residences and fired rubber bullets, while the university promises to fix safety issues.
Students and security guards clashed on Thursday at Walter Sisulu University’s Mthatha campus during protests over a student’s death.
The protests started after Sisonke Mbolekwa, a Bachelor of Education student, was shot dead on Tuesday morning, allegedly by a residence official.
He had been protesting about poor accommodation when he was killed.
The two students he was shot with, Ntando Gqetywa and Lizwi Ndzumo, were injured during the protest, but their injuries were not serious.
Another student was also shot in the head by security weeks ago, according to the university’s council and the higher education minister.
On Thursday, a video doing the rounds on social media showed security guards pulling students out of their rooms at a campus residence.
A student named Asiphe said she was shot while inside her room.
“We started saying ‘Justice for Sisonke’ but instead of management listening, they sent guards to shoot us. Now they’re even shooting us inside our rooms,” she said.
She added: “The next thing, the vice chancellor will sign eviction letters and when we come back, that security company will still be here.”
However, council chair Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi said that the security company’s contract had ended and would not be renewed. A new company has already been appointed.
Higher education minister Nobuhle Nkabane, who visited Mbolekwa’s family on Thursday, said: “I am heartbroken by this tragic loss. No parent should have to bury their child under such circumstances.”
She criticised the growing “culture of weaponisation and militarisation” on campuses and said safety rules at universities would be reviewed.
Ngcukaitobi said the council would now lead talks to rebuild trust and fix student discipline.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Police have confirmed the arrest of the residence manager who allegedly shot and killed one of three Walter Sisulu University students, leaving two injured on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the suspect was arrested on Thursday.
“The 54 year old suspect has been arrested today, 17 April 2025 in Mthatha. He has been charged with murder and attempted murder. He is due to appear in court on 22 April 2025.
“While this arrest is a critical step, the investigation remains active. No further details will be released at this time to preserve the integrity of the case. Updates will be provided as appropriate,” Gantana said.
Pictured above: Guards enter WSU residence during student shutdown.
Image source: Social media
