A wave of grief and outrage has swept through the University of Mthatha community following the tragic death of a student, identified by fellow students as Sisonke Mbolekwa. According to multiple reports, Sisonke was allegedly shot and killed by a manager at the university premises. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but the incident has sparked intense reactions from students who accuse the university administration of dishonesty and negligence.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the university released a public statement claiming that Sisonke Mbolekwa was not a registered student and that the institution had no knowledge of his presence or identity. This statement has been met with skepticism and anger by the student body, many of whom have expressed disbelief and frustration on social media and during on-campus gatherings.
Students insist that Sisonke was indeed part of their academic community and that the university is attempting to distance itself from the tragedy. “The university is lying, just like it always does,” said one student who wished to remain anonymous. “Sisonke was one of us. Everyone knew him. To now act like he was a stranger is just adding more pain to our loss.”
This is not the first time the university has faced such accusations. Students have pointed out that last year, another student — reportedly a close friend of Sisonke — was also murdered on campus. The incident, which took place in the school grounds, allegedly received minimal attention and little justice. Students claim this pattern of silence and denial is part of a broader problem of institutional failure and lack of accountability when it comes to student safety.
“Every time something happens, the university finds a way to detach itself. They release statements saying they know nothing or that the person wasn’t officially part of the institution. But we know the truth because we live it,” said another student protestor.
Calls for justice have grown louder in the days following the incident. Vigils and student-led protests have taken place, demanding that the university acknowledge the situation, take responsibility, and ensure that safety measures are improved on campus. They are also calling for an independent investigation into Sisonke’s death and the role of the alleged manager involved.
At the time of writing, the university has not responded to the growing backlash or provided further clarification on the shooting. The silence has only fueled more suspicion and discontent among students, who feel abandoned and ignored by those in charge of their well-being.
The tragic loss of Sisonke Mbolekwa has highlighted serious concerns about student safety, institutional transparency, and accountability within the University of Mthatha. As emotions run high and questions remain unanswered, the student body continues to stand united in demanding justice for their fallen peer and real change from their university leadership.