A tragic incident unfolded at Walter Sisulu University’s main campus in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, when a protest turned deadly. A university employee allegedly opened fire on students, killing one and injuring three others.
The shooting reportedly occurred on Tuesday morning after protesters allegedly set a vehicle on fire near a student residence. In response, the university suspended all operations for the day. Police have not yet released an official statement regarding the event.
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The incident has sparked outrage, with educational activist Hendrick Makaneta expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life. He emphasized the need for universities to remain safe spaces for learning and condemned the use of firearms on campus.
Makaneta criticized the government’s failure to provide a secure environment for students and urged law enforcement to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrator to justice. He also called on the university to review and strengthen its security measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We stand in solidarity with those affected and will continue to advocate for safety on campuses,” Makaneta stated, urging that urgent action be taken to protect students and restore trust in the university environment.