By Everson Luhanga
- A 54-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a student during a violent protest at Walter Sisulu University.
- The university has suspended the staff member, removed a security company and called for an independent inquiry.
A university staff member has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of a student during a protest at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
Sisonke Mbolekwa was shot and killed last Tuesday. He was allegedly gunned down by a residence manager after students stormed the man’s on-campus home and set his car on fire.
Police arrested the 54-year-old suspect on Thursday. He has been charged with murder and attempted murder, and will appear in court on Tuesday, 22 April.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nomantu Gantana said: “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.”
The university council has responded by suspending the staff member who was arrested and launching an independent inquiry led by retired Constitutional Court justice Christopher Jafta Nyaole.
Registrar Dr Lulamile Ntonzima confirmed the council’s decisions after an emergency meeting on Wednesday night.
“We welcome the arrest at the university. The council met and passed a decision on the suspension of the staff member that has been currently arrested,” he said.
The university has also fired the security company involved in clashes with students during the unrest.
During the protests, three more students were injured and taken to hospital. The manager’s wife was also hit on the head with a hard object during the chaos.
Violence erupted again on Thursday after Mbolekwa’s death, when security guards fired rubber bullets at protesting students. Some of the injured students are still in hospital.
Pictured above: Police have arrested a 54-year-old WSU staff member following a fatal student protest shooting.
Image source: Supplied
