The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has expressed profound grief and alarm following the fatal shooting of Sinethemba Mpambane, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support and Development at the Walter Sisulu University.
The tragic incident comes after another devastating loss at the same institution. A final-year student Sisonke Mbolekwa was killed during a protest just weeks ago.
Recurring violence deeply disturbing
Nkabane, who visited the university and the family to offer condolences and investigate the circumstances of that shooting, described the recurring violence as deeply disturbing.
“I am filled with deep sorrow and concern over the loss of Sinethemba Mpambane,” Nkabane said.
“The safety and well-being of students and staff must be prioritised at all times. An academic community cannot thrive in an environment characterised by fear and violence.”
Nkabane’s spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana, emphasised the minister’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
“She has called for urgent measures to ensure the safety of all members of the university community.”
The university has not yet released an official statement regarding Mpambane’s death. However, authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Incident occurred near the university
According to police, Mpambane was gunned down near the university’s Nkululekweni entrance gate in Mthatha.
The sombre gathering aimed to offer condolences and support as the family reels from the shocking murder.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said police are investigating the incident. The shooting occurred at approximately 5.39pm near the N2 highway.
“The incident happened at about 17.39 near the Nkululekweni entrance gate, which is adjacent to the N2 highway,” she added.
“Police discovered the deceased inside a stationary vehicle in the driver’s seat with multiple gunshot wounds.”
Preliminary forensic analysis confirmed the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The motive for the attack remains unclear.
Motive unknown
“The motive for the murder remains unknown. And forensic experts and detectives are actively processing the secured crime scene,” Gantana stated.
This incident follows a turbulent period for WSU. It made national headlines in April when a student protest turned deadly.
The campus residence manager, Manelisi Mampane, 54, allegedly opened fire on students. This resulted in one student’s death, Sisonke Mbolekwa, and another injured. The suspect surrendered to police two days later and was granted bail. And this sparked further violent protests on campus.
Mampane was granted bail of R10,000 in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court. The protests erupted after news of the bail decision emerged. And students demanded justice and expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling.
Public urged to help
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues. This over the latest shooting incident.
“We urge anyone who has information on this murder case to come forward, and they will be protected,” said Gantana.
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