A tragic incident has rocked Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, as one student has been fatally shot and three others injured during a violent episode on campus. The unsettling event occurred amid ongoing student protests over dissatisfaction with university services.
According to reports by News24, tensions have been escalating at the university as students voiced growing frustration with issues such as accommodation shortages, delayed funding, and poor infrastructure. The protest, which had started as a peaceful demonstration, turned chaotic, culminating in a shooting that left one student dead and others injured.
The deceased student’s identity has not yet been officially released, pending notification of the family. Eyewitnesses claim that the atmosphere on campus became extremely volatile, with police and private security forces allegedly clashing with students. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and investigations are currently underway to determine who was responsible and whether force was justified.
The Eastern Cape police have confirmed the incident and stated that a case of murder and attempted murder is being investigated. They have urged anyone with information or footage to come forward to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
The university community has been left in shock and mourning. Messages of condolence and outrage have flooded social media, with fellow students and South Africans calling for justice and accountability. Many have questioned the safety of campuses and the handling of student protests in the country.
In response to the incident, the university has issued a brief statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and promising full cooperation with law enforcement authorities. “We are devastated by this senseless tragedy,” said a university spokesperson. “The safety and well-being of our students are of utmost priority, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure justice is served.”
Student leaders have condemned the violence and demanded immediate intervention from the Department of Higher Education. “This is not the first time students have been met with violence while trying to raise genuine concerns,” said a representative of the Student Representative Council (SRC). “We are calling for a thorough investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.”
Meanwhile, protests at WSU continue as tensions remain high. Students are calling not only for better services but also for an end to the militarized response to campus activism. Activists and civil society organizations are also rallying in support of the students, demanding systemic change in how higher education institutions deal with student grievances.
As the investigation unfolds and the university community grieves, the incident has sparked a broader national conversation about the safety of students, the rights to protest, and the urgent need to address systemic challenges within South Africa’s higher education system.