By Thapelo Molefe
A Walter Sisulu University (WSU) residence manager accused of fatally shooting a student on Tuesday has been arrested
Eastern Cape Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed on Thursday that the 54-year-old man was arrested and faces charges of murder and attempted murder.
He is expected to appear in court on 22 April.
“While this arrest is a critical step, the investigation remains active,” Gantana said.
“No further details will be released to preserve the integrity of the case.”
Sisonke Mbolekwa’s death has triggered widespread outrage and protests across the campus.
On Thursday, tensions escalated into violent confrontations between students and private security personnel.
Videos circulated on social media showing guards entering the KTC residence and pulling students out of the building. In another video, security personnel were seen being pelted with stones by a group of students.
According to the Student Representative Council at least 20 students were hospitalised and several more injured.
The clashes came after the university issued an eviction notice to students, which the SRC has strongly opposed, citing unresolved grievances related to campus living conditions.
“There was a confrontation between students and the security company deployed by management,” SRC leader Themba Zikhali said.
“We are rejecting the eviction. We want justice for Sisonke and better conditions for all students.”
He also expressed concern over how the university leadership handled the situation.
“They must not run away from their issues. These residences are managed by them. They must come and account. They must come and manage their residences,” he said.
Zikhali added that the SRC and broader student body would not back down.
“We are not going anywhere until our demands are met. We want what we want. We are demanding our rights.”
He also commented on the involvement of Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, who visited the campus on Wednesday and met Mbolekwa’s family on Thursday.
While acknowledging the minister’s engagement, Zikhali said the university had misrepresented the situation.
“We told the minister everything. She said she is committed to addressing the issues, but the management has been lying to her claiming they are fixing things when they’re not,” he said.
The EFF Student Command condemned the university’s use of private security and raised alarm about human rights violations on campus.
“Security personnel are reportedly shooting and holding students hostage in their own rooms. There is a serious crisis unfolding at Walter Sisulu University. Students’ lives and safety are being threatened.”
All academic activities have been suspended at WSU’s Mthatha campus amid the unrest.
The minister travelled to Tsepisong village in Matatiele to convey condolences to the Mbolekwa family.
“I am heartbroken by this loss. No parent should have to bury their child under such circumstances,” she said.
The university’s council held an emergency meeting on Wednesday in response to the crisis.
In a statement, the council confirmed that the SRC had presented the students’ concerns, which included the poor state of some self-catering residences and a lack of basic appliances such as stoves, kettles and laundry equipment.
Council members also reviewed earlier complaints about alleged heavy-handed behaviour by the current security company during past protests.
As a result, the council resolved to end the existing security company’s contract which had already lapsed and confirmed that a newly appointed company would take over immediately.
“Council took several resolutions for immediate implementation by executive management,” the statement read.
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