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Students hold vigil in honour of Braam shooting victim, Nkosingiphile Nxumalo

todayMarch 5, 2024 275 1

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Students in and around Johannesburg gathered for a night vigil in honour of slain University of Johannesburg student, Nkosingiphile Nxumalo.

The second-year BCOM accounting student was shot and killed in a crossfire in Braamfontein last week.

The 18-year-old Nxumalo lost his life in broad daylight when unknown gunmen opened fire on occupants of a black BMW believed to be taxi bosses outside the Wits Art Museum.

Another student is said to be recuperating well in hospital.

The duo was among the students travelling in a bus from the university to their places of residence in the Johannesburg City Centre, when tragedy struck.

Students, who gathered on the streets of Braam last night, called for tighter security and more boots on the ground in the student precinct.

SASCO chairperson, Thabang Malinga, expressed frustration over the rampant crime in the area.

He says this tragedy occurred as UJ students were preparing for their text week, which kicked off yesterday.

“We don’t care about what they are fighting for. But we want answers as to why they chose to fire from here – knowing very well that Braam is a student village. And the government and the City of Johannesburg need to treat it like that. If we need to, let’s barricade Braamfontein, Doornfontein because they are crime hotspots here in the Greater Johannesburg region.”

Malinga says the incident is a tip of the iceberg.

“If you can check – our students are victimised on a daily basis; getting mugged and getting raped. What happened here is proof that the city doesn’t care about students’ well-being.”

Malinga says some students were triggered by the tragedy and is urging them to use the counselling facilities from the universities in the area, including Wits University and Rosebank College, who have urged those who need help to reach out.

SASCO says authorities should leave no stone unturned in this investigation.

Malinga has called on the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, and the provincial Community Safety MEC, Faith Mazibuko, to join hands with law enforcement agencies, like the Hawks, and find the culprits. Written by Kamogelo Mogale

 

Written by: Lindiwe Mabena

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