The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has dismissed claims that the person who was fatally shot on campus earlier today is a student at the institution.
The university says it has launched an investigation into the deceased’s identity and what they were doing on campus when a resident manager allegedly opened fire on protesting students, leaving two of them injured.
The students have since been discharged from hospital.
The implicated manager’s wife was injured, and her husband’s car burnt during the run-in.
While the students say they were protesting over the poor conditions at res when violence broke out, the university says it wasn’t informed of any planned protest nor the reason behind the demonstration.
Students have meanwhile vowed to remain on campus until management addresses them.
The SRC’s Themba Zinkani, told our sister channel, eNCA, that they’ve been pleading, in vain, with the institution’s leader to address the challenges they’re faced with.
The South African Students’ Federation (SASF) says the shooting is an indictment of the university’s catastrophic failure to protect its students.
SASF President, Keamogetswe Masike, emphasises that this incident serves as a reminder of the pervasive culture of violence, corruption, and impunity that threatens the higher education system.
Masike has outlined a list of demands the students’ organisation wants WSU to address following the shooting.
Immediate Arrest: “We demand the immediate arrest of the residence manager responsible for the shooting. This individual must face the full weight of the law for their actions.”
Revocation of Accreditation: “The university’s failure to provide a safe and secure living environment for its students is unacceptable. We call for the revocation of the accreditation for the residence in question and for the university to provide alternative, safe, and secure accommodation to students.”
Accountability: “The university’s management must be held accountable for their failure to ensure that student residences are managed by ethical and competent individuals. The presence of gangsters and individuals with a history of violence in positions of authority is a clear indication of a deeper systemic problem.”
Thorough Investigation: “We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, including the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the university’s response to the situation.”
Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, has also condemned the shooting.
“We condemn this senseless act of violence in the strongest possible terms. The use of firearms on campus is unacceptable and has no place in our society. We demand that the South African Police Service (SAPS) take immediate action to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure that justice is served,” he says.
Student bodies of various political parties and other South Africans have also slammed the violence that’s pervasive at the country’s institutions of higher learning.
