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By Johnathan Paoli
A fresh wave of grief and fear has gripped Walter Sisulu University (WSU) after the fatal shooting of deputy vice-chancellor for institutional support and development, Sinethemba Mpambane, on Thursday evening.
Mpambane was gunned down execution-style while seated in his vehicle outside the Nkululekweni facility in Mthatha. It is the second fatal shooting on the campus in two months.
Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has called for “urgent action to restore peace and security” at the institution.
“The safety and well-being of students and staff must be prioritised at all times. The academic community cannot thrive in an environment characterised by fear and violence. Institutions of higher learning must remain sanctuaries for teaching, learning, and transformation,” Nkabane said on Friday.
Mpambane’s killing follows the death of final-year student Sisonke Mbolekwa, who was fatally shot during a student protest in April.
Residence manager Manelesi Mampane was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with that incident and is currently out on bail.
WSU management, along with the department, has confirmed that they are in contact with both victims’ families and are working to provide psychological and logistical support.
Eastern Cape police have launched a high-level investigation into Mpambane’s murder.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the victim sustained “multiple gunshot wounds while seated in the driver’s position of his vehicle”.
“The acting provincial commissioner, Major-General Thandiswa Kupiso, has mobilised maximum resources to pursue all leads. Public speculation must be avoided to preserve the integrity of the investigation,” Gantana said.
Student groups have expressed outrage over the ongoing violence.
Nkululeko Tyatya, who is the regional deputy chairperson of the South African Students Congress (SASCO) and secretary of the student parliament at WSU, condemned the latest incident.
“As SASCO we are totally disturbed by the incident. We still haven’t recovered from the previous incidents, and this one makes things worse. We believe in a free and peaceful environment within institutions of higher learning so that students can be able to study in a well conducive environment to ensure that they obtain their qualifications and improve the lives of their families.,” Tyatya said.
Students have long expressed frustrations with the university management over accommodation conditions, poor infrastructure and perceived neglect of student grievances.
The earlier protest that led to Mbolekwa’s death stemmed from these unresolved issues, with many students accusing the administration of failing to act in their best interests.
The chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie, called for immediate action and stronger campus security.
“We are devastated to learn that another life has been lost so callously. Violence has no place in our institutions of learning. This latest tragedy is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about safety on campus,” Letsie said.
He urged the university’s council and the department to implement tangible measures to protect staff and students, including the strengthening of internal security and rapid response systems.
Nkabane has committed to meeting Vice-Chancellor Professor Rushiella Songca and the chair of the University Council to evaluate and upgrade existing security protocols.
Counselling services have been made available to affected students and staff.
INSIDE EDUCATION