The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, is visiting Mthatha this afternoon following the killing of a Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Walter Sisulu University.
Sinethemba Mpambane, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Support and Development at Walter Sisulu University, was shot multiple times in the driver’s seat of a vehicle near an entrance to the university.
The Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a media statement yesterday that they have launched a murder investigation following the fatal shooting yesterday, Thursday afternoon, at approximately 17:39. The incident occurred near the Nkululekweni entrance gate adjacent to the N2 highway on the WSU Mthatha campus.
“Police discovered the victim deceased inside a stationary vehicle. Preliminary forensic analysis confirms the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds while seated in the driver’s position. The motive remains unknown,” the statement read.
This murder comes just weeks after the fatal shooting of Sisonke Mbolekwa, a final-year student who was killed during a protest on the same campus in April this year.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, visited the university and the Mbolekwa family to offer support and to understand the circumstances surrounding the loss.
According to the Higher Education Ministerial Spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana, the recurrence of such violence within an institution of higher learning is deeply troubling.
“The Minister is profoundly disturbed that yet another life has been lost under violent circumstances at a university. The safety and well-being of students and staff must be prioritised at all times. The academic community cannot thrive in an environment characterised by fear and violence. Institutions of higher learning must remain sanctuaries for teaching, learning, and transformation.
“The Minister will urgently engage with the Vice-Chancellor of Walter Sisulu University, Professor Rushiella Songca, and the Chairperson of the University Council to assess existing security protocols and to identify immediate measures to ensure safety on campus.
“The Minister extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Mpambane and the broader Walter Sisulu University community. This brutal killing must not only be condemned but must serve as a call to action to restore peace, safety, and dignity to our institutions. Our universities must not become places of violence and loss. They must remain spaces of hope, growth, and opportunity,” said Mavovana.
Mathabo Hendricks, Deputy Director Marketing and Communication at WSU confirmed in a statement that Mpambane was targeted by an unknown assailant as he entered the gate.
“WSU is deeply shaken by this tragic event and extends its condolences to the Mpambane family, friends, and colleagues. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available, the statement read.
“Mr Mpambane was an exceptional leader, hard worker within our university. His untimely passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt. We stand together in this dark moment, as we mourn this tragic loss,” said Professor Rushiella Nolundi Songca, Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
“Walter Sisulu University appeals to the community for calm and unity during this difficult time. We will provide further updates as the situation develops and information becomes available. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mpambane family, as we trust in the swift administration of justice.”
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the police in the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, stated, “SAPS has mobilised maximum resources to pursue all leads. Public speculation must be avoided to preserve the integrity of the investigation.”
SAPS appeals to anyone with information to contact the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111, or via the MySAPS App.
