WSU in hot water over attempt to cover up killing of student

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is facing backlash following an alleged attempt to cover up the fatal shooting of a student on campus.

The university initially claimed that slain Sisonke Mbolekwa, was not a registered student.

In a turn of events, Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane confirmed that Mbolekwa was a registered student and that the last NSFAS disbursment of funds made to him was last year.

Situation is dire in WSU
ONE OF THE PARENTS 👇
At 06:54am today, I received a call from a person who said they were sent by WSU management to tell me, I quote “umntwana ulimele eskolwen but uright seyi phumile esbhedlele, waphuma kwa lamini ” (48hrs later )
My response was “No… pic.twitter.com/pJMsJM2u9K

— Lerato Pillay 🇿🇦💎🇿🇦 (@nyebe_official) April 18, 2025

The 54-year-old campus residence manager, who is alleged to have fired the shot that killed him and left several others injured, has now been arrested.

It is alleged that students were protesting over the poor living conditions at the residences when he opened fire on them.

While investigations into the incident continue, it’s alleged that students retaliated to the violence by torching a car belonging to the residence manager who lived on campus with his family. His wife was allegedly struck with a hard object on the head amid the chaos.

They were rescued by law enforcement authorities from the raging students as they also pelted his house on campus with stones.

He is due in court on Tuesday and face murder and attempted murder charges.

Legal expert Zola Majavu says no one has a right to use deadly force on protesting students, even if they are shouting and hurling insults.

The incident has sparked outrage over the militarisation of campuses.

The South African Students Federation (SASF) has slammed the university and the minister of attempting to downplay the tragic passing of Mbolekwa.

The federarion’s president, Keamogetswe Masike, says this incident highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform within institutions of higher education.

“A transparent and independent investigation into the incident must be conducted to uncover the truth and prevent similar incidents. The university and the Minister must provide adequate support to the family of the deceased, including counseling and financial assistance.”

We condemn @SAPoliceService and private security in Walter Sisulu University in the strongest terms possible, how can you shoot at your children for asking for education? 💔. Heartless and shameful.

Shame on @MYANC for being useless and unleashing brutality on children. pic.twitter.com/AWp5xFNOmE

— Prof Moya (@MoyaProf) April 17, 2025

Walter Sisulu University Security Apparatus is provocking Students and shooting them from their residences. this a day after they had shot and killed a Student. pic.twitter.com/xUuipW7L0A

— Msunu ka Johann Rupert (@ZizinjaAbelungu) April 17, 2025

They have deployed police and armed securities at Walter Sisulu University, they are attacking innocent students in their residences. Aluta Continua # WSU MUST FALL

— khaya (@khayamihla98) April 17, 2025

EFFYC STATEMENT ON WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY AND THE MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR DEHUMANISING SISONKE AND MISLEADING THE PUBLIC

In a moment that demanded compassion, they opted for a callous narrative that stripped Sisonke of his humanity, declaring him a nameless intruder. pic.twitter.com/eGnBJ2ml2N

— EFF Youth Command (@EFFYouthCommand) April 17, 2025

In light of the tragic and brutal killing of Comrade Sisonke Mbolekwa by a residence manager at Walter Sisulu University, the PYA convened a summit at WSU Mthatha Campus to determine a way forward

The meeting was attended by, amongst others, Cde Alungile Kamtshe SASCO President pic.twitter.com/QkwVwgL9T8

— SASCO NATIONAL (@SascoNational) April 17, 2025

His name is Ndiyakholwa Ngqulu, a former ANCYL/SASCO activist, he works in the office of Vice Chancellor at WSU. Just yesterday, he deliberately misled the public that #Sisonke was not a registered student. My heart bleeds💔& what do we do? @SihleLonzi @EFFYouthCommand pic.twitter.com/HfwGlzbJPl

— Andiswa Snr✨ (@NdlovuAS) April 17, 2025

Also condemning the incident, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) said it’s a reminder of how unsafe our society is.

“That a student is shot and killed in cold blood allegedly by the very person tasked with ensuring his safety and hospitable stay at the university premises lays bare the crisis that characterises our society,” the federation says in a statement.

“SAFTU extends it condolences and solidarity to the family and friends of the student who needlessly lost his life. Further, SAFTU wishes a speedy recovery to the two other students who were injured in the incident.”

The organisation has also called on government and university management to prioritise the safety and well-being of students and to work towards creating a conducive learning environment.

The Universities South Africa (USAf) Board of Directors has also expressed concern over the violence meted out to the students.

“No parent deserves to lose their loved one to violence, much less at an institution of Higher Learning where disagreements should be resolved peacefully,” says USAf board chairperson, Professor Francis Petersen, expressing condolences to the deceased student’s family, friends and the Walter Sisulu
University community.

He also wished the injured students a speedy recovery.

The board has also urged all South Africans to not resort to violence in settling disputes but instead always default to meaningful engagement to safeguard everyone’s safety and well-being.

WSU has meanwhile welcomed the residence manager’s arrest.

The university council has also resolved to establish an independent inquiry into the unrest that led to the tragedy.