Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students are marching to the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court, demanding that the 54-year-old residence manager accused of murder be denied bail. The suspect, arrested in connection with the fatal shooting at the university’s Mthatha campus last week, faces charges of “murder and attempted murder” after allegedly opening fire during a student protest over poor residence conditions. The South African Students Federation (SASF) president, Keamogetswe Masike, has joined students in calling for justice, vowing to continue protests to highlight the dire state of campus accommodations.

A Tragic Shooting Sparks Outrage

On the morning of 15 April 2025, chaos erupted at WSU’s Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha when students protested against deplorable living conditions in their residences. The demonstration, driven by long-standing grievances over issues like cold water, dysfunctional toilets, and dilapidated infrastructure, escalated when students confronted the residence manager at his on-campus home. According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the manager allegedly shot two male students, fatally wounding 24-year-old third-year student Sisonke Mbolekwa and injuring two others.

The incident sparked immediate outrage, with students setting the residence manager’s car alight and clashing with security forces. The manager’s wife was reportedly hit on the head with a hard object during the confrontation, and the family was rescued by Mthatha Public Order Policing. The shooting, which also left two students with minor injuries, has reignited concerns about campus safety and the use of firearms at universities.

Students March for Justice

Today, WSU students, backed by the SASF, are marching to the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court, where the accused is making his first appearance. “A suspect linked to the deadly shooting at the Walter Sisulu University’s Zamata campus is expected to make his first court appearance today,” said SASF president Keamogetswe Masike. Students are demanding that the suspect, charged with “murder and attempted murder,” be denied bail. “We support the students. The students must continue singing and chanting outside court that residence manager must not get bail. That residence manager must be charged with that murder and attempted murder and he must not be released,” Masike asserted.

The march reflects the students’ determination to seek justice for Mbolekwa, whom they describe as a dedicated campus activist. “He has proven himself that you know he’s a gangster, he’s an enemy to our students in our universities,” Masike said of the accused. Social media posts have echoed this sentiment, with students vowing to keep protesting until accountability is achieved. One post noted, “Abafundi base Walter Sisulu University babambe uqhankqalazo ngaphandle kwinkundla kamantyi yaseMthatha,” highlighting the community’s resolve.

Poor Residence Conditions Fuel Protests

The shooting was the culmination of months of unresolved grievances about WSU’s residence conditions. Students have long complained about “poor residents conditions,” including cockroach-infested rooms, dirty walls, broken wardrobes, and unsafe doors. One student revealed that the cost of accommodation, approximately R40,000 per year, is disproportionate to the quality provided, prompting demands for a reduction to R38,000. “The rooms are full of cockroaches, the walls are dirty, the wardrobe is bad, the doors are not closing, my front door is also not safe,” an anonymous student said.

Social media images of missing tiles, deteriorating ceilings, and broken appliances have amplified calls for reform. Masike emphasized the broader issue of substandard student housing across South Africa, stating, “Our students are living in prisons… they are subjected to cold water, dysfunctional toilets, and all of that.” He argued that these conditions hinder academic performance, as safe and conducive living spaces are essential for success.

University’s Response and Missteps

The university’s initial response to the shooting drew sharp criticism. WSU spokesperson Yonela Tukwayo claimed that Mbolekwa was not a registered student, a statement that fueled tensions and was later debunked. Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane confirmed on 16 April 2025 that Mbolekwa was indeed enrolled, having paid the minimum initial payment in March 2025 despite funding challenges. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) also verified his registration.

Masike slammed WSU for attempting to “sweep the matter under the carpet” and misleading the minister. “The university was so hellbent on the story that they even misled the minister,” he said, calling for the suspension of the spokesperson and others involved in the cover-up. “It’s very disappointing that you know the university, instead of them taking accountability that a student was shot and killed by one of their staff members, a person who gets a salary… no one was held accountable,” he added.

In response to the backlash, WSU’s council, chaired by advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, placed the residence manager on precautionary suspension and temporarily closed the Mthatha campus, shifting to online learning. The council also appointed retired Constitutional Court Justice Chris Jafta to probe the incident and review campus security protocols.

Militarization and Security Concerns

The shooting has sparked a broader conversation about the “militarization” v South African campuses. Masike criticized the reliance on private security companies, alleging that university executives benefit from kickbacks. “We are finding the executive, council members, vice-chancellors, principals, and administrators benefiting kickbacks from these private security companies that are employed and deployed in our universities,” he said. He questioned why universities fail to insource security, arguing that external firms often employ “gangsters” with minimal vetting.

The SASF president called for the termination of WSU’s contract with Fidelity Security Services, which students claim has a history of violence. A previous incident in 2018 involved an illegal firearm on campus, raising further concerns about security practices. The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, chaired by Tebogo Letsie, echoed these concerns, demanding that universities remain gun-free zones. “The university must urgently investigate this breach of safety protocols, particularly the circumstances that allowed a residence manager to possess a firearm on the premises,” Letsie said.

Systemic Issues in Student Housing

The protests at WSU reflect systemic challenges in South Africa’s higher education sector. Masike highlighted the role of NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education in ensuring that funds allocated for student housing are used effectively. He referenced a 2016 gazette by former minister Blade Nzimande, which set norms and standards for student accommodation, but noted that these are often ignored. “Student accommodation in South Africa has become a business for gangsters and for criminals that don’t have an agenda to make sure that our students get conducive spaces,” he said.

The SASF has called for NSFAS to play a critical role in accrediting residences and for parliament to conduct oversight to ensure compliance. “We’ve written many memorandums of concern to the department of education, we’ve written to parliament, we’ve written to the portfolio committee as well to intervene on some of these issues,” Masike said, lamenting that student grievances often “fall into deaf ears.”

Community and Family Seek Justice

The Mbolekwa family, grieving the loss of their son, has vowed to seek justice. “This family will never rest, the spirit of Sisonke will never rest until he gets justice,” said family spokesperson Ncedo Kolanisi. The SASF plans to visit the family in Matatiele on Thursday to offer condolences and assess their needs. Minister Nkabane, who visited the family on 17 April, condemned the “culture of weaponisation and militarisation” on campuses and promised a nationwide review of university safety protocols.

A candlelight vigil for Mbolekwa was held on 15 April, and the Student Representative Council (SRC) announced a campus-wide shutdown, extending protests into Mthatha town. The SRC claims that concerns about the residence manager’s conduct were raised with management previously but ignored, fueling anger over the tragedy.

🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 102 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Hope for Matjhabeng as Executive Mayor Khalipha Rolls Out Plan for Renewal After ANC Reinstatement”

Download Here:

Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-102.pdf

Read all our publications on magzter:

https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues

Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.

We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.

Advertisement:

To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za

For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za

Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za

General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za

Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za

Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487

Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za

Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube

centralnewsza #news