Staff Reporter.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has strongly condemned the murder of Mboneli Vesele, the Executive Protection Officer to the University of Fort Hare, Vice Chancellor, Prof Sakhele Buhlungu.
Vesele’s body was found outside Buhlungu’s Alice home on Friday evening.
Although investigations are at an early stage, all indications point to Buhlungu, who at the time of the incident was not in the car, as the target.
“The Minister passes his heartfelt condolences to the Vesele family, friends, and the University of Fort Hare,” says departmental spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi.
“This attack is not only an attack on the University of Fort Hare but also an attack on the entire Post-School Education and Training sector.
“Following this gruesome murder, Nzimande appeals for calm, whilst investigations are underway.
“Minister Nzimande has directed Higher Health, an agency of the Department responsible for wellness, to work with the University to provide psycho-social support to the Vesele family and to all affected university employees, especially those who have been working very closely with the deceased.
“The Minister is currently engaging with all the stakeholders and has written a letter to the University of Fort Hare Council to engage on how best to deal with the situation.”
The Professor has since been moved to a safe location.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana said the vice-chancellor had just arrived home when unidentified occupants in an unknown vehicle opened fire, hitting the driver, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.