WSU senior official’s killing sends shockwaves

The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has come under the spotlight once again after another shooting rocked the institution.

WSU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Institutional Support and Development, Sinethemba Mpambane, was gunned down in his car outside the university’s Mthatha campus on Thursday.

It is understood that Mpambane was heading to his residence at the time of the incident.

The 44-year-old, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds, has been described as an excellent leader and a hard worker.

The motive for his murder is not yet known and a manhunt for his killers is underway.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola visited the scene of the crime on Friday.

He says it doesn’t look like Mpambane was being robbed at the time of his murder as they found his laptop and about R27 000 in his car.

Masemola says a multi-disciplinary team has been set up to investigate the murder.

 

This is a second incident to rock the university in recent months.

In April, a demonstration turned deadly after residence manager, Manelisi Mampane, allegedly opened fire on protesting students, killing one and injuring several others.

The residence manager is currently out on R10 000 bail for alleged murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The Department of Higher Education has expressed concern over these incidents.

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, says tertiary institutions must remain sanctuaries for teaching, learning, and transformation.

“The safety and well-being of students and staff must be prioritised at all times. The academic community cannot thrive in an environment characterised by fear and violence,” adds Dr Nkabane.

The passing of Sinethemba Mpambane, WSU Deputy VC, is a tragic loss for the sector. This follows the fatal shooting of a student on the same campus. We will engage @WalterSisuluUni leadership to support & strengthen campus safety. Condolences to the family & university community. pic.twitter.com/f4pmc3sIKG

— Dr Nobuhle Nkabane (@Dr_NobuhleN) June 20, 2025

The University has also expressed deep shock and grief, while calling for justice to be served.

Chairperson of Walter Sisulu University Council, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, says the killing of a senior official has sparked fears at the institution.

WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY: VIOLENCE DEMANDS URGENT INTERVENTION, NOT ROUTINE RESPONSES

Universities should be sanctuaries of thought, learning, and progress, not crime scenes. The brutal killing of a senior university official is not only a tragedy but also a direct threat to the… pic.twitter.com/DMZe2rsf7T

— GOOD (@ForGoodZA) June 20, 2025

MEDIA STATEMENT

CHAIRPERSON OF HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE SHOCKED BY FATAL SHOOTING AT WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITYhttps://t.co/jaEP9WOa15@ParliamentofRSA @DefenceCluster @FinanceCluster @HigherEduGovZA @EconoCluster @FinanceCluster @JustSecuCluster @GovernanceClus1… pic.twitter.com/oMJKIPInzz

— Health-and-social-Cluster (@HealthSocClust) June 20, 2025

We are deeply troubled by the news of the killing of a Deputy Vice Chancellor in Walter Sisulu University.

Worse it is said the shooting happened near campus. The same Mthatha Campus where a student was shot and killed.

Something needs to be done about safety on our campuses. pic.twitter.com/ZI3N5wNpML

— Sihle Lonzi (@SihleLonzi) June 19, 2025