By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
One student has been killed and two others wounded at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has confirmed the shooting incident at the University.
Mabuyane was speaking on the sidelines of President Cyril Ramaphosa oversight visit to the Eastern Cape, where he will assess key provincial operations and lead intergovernmental engagements aimed at improving service delivery.
Ramaphosa will receive updates on current projects and measures to boost operational efficiency at the port, one of the province’s most important economic assets.
Mabuyane condemned the incident.
Fullview undestands the students are protesting over their grievances with a certain residence manager and poor state of their campus residence, including poor WIFI at the university.
He added that they are monitoring the situation at the University.
“I spoke to the Vice Chancellor, Professor, Sondla and she assured me they are attending the matter. We wish those in hospital a speedy recovery.”
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, said students mobilized on Monday evening to protest against the poor state of their campus residence.
“At about 07h00 on Tuesday morning, the students went to the residence manager — who lives on campus with his family — to confront him about the poor state of their residence,” she said.
It’s alleged that the manager then opened fire, fatally shooting one male student and injuring another, who was rushed to hospital for treatment.
In retaliation, “the students mobilized and, in the process, the residence manager’s car was set alight and his wife was hit on the head with a hard object,” Gantana said.
Videos circulating on social media earlier showed a woman, believed to be the manager’s wife, pleading for help as blood streamed down her face.
Gantana said the family was later rescued by Mthatha Public Order Policing.
Police are currently stationed outside the campus, where students are threatening to block the N2 highway.
Investigators have been unable to access the crime scene or gather witness statements due to resistance from the protesting students.