The Walter Sisulu University’s NMD Campus in Mthatha, Eastern Cape experienced a wave of unrest on Tuesday, the students who were allegedly protesting against campus residence issues erupted in an unrest without warning. According to Walter Sisulu University (WSU) management, no formal grievances or notice of protest were submitted to the institution beforehand.
The Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) also stated that they were unaware of any planned protest action, this is according to WSU management in a statement released on social media.
In a disturbing turn of events during the unrest, a group—believed to include students—forcefully entered a staff member’s on-campus residence. The staff member’s wife sustained serious injuries during the attack and is currently receiving medical care. His children had to be rescued by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to Campus management, two students were also injured and later discharged after receiving medical treatment. The University has also revealed that the person shot and killed during the student demonstrations is not a registered student at the institution. “The individual who lost their life during the incident has not yet been identified.”
The Department of Higher Education has criticised the violence.
“The minister strongly condemns all forms of violence and intimidation on university campuses and reiterates that students, staff, and all members of the academic community must be protected. Institutions of higher learning must remain safe spaces that nurture learning, dialogue, and development.” Said Department of Higher Education Spokesperson Camagwini Mavovan. The minister is expected to visit the university soon.
WSU has strongly condemned the violence and appealed to students to raise concerns through the appropriate internal channels.
“The University remains committed to open and transparent engagement with students through the ISRC,” the statement read. “We urge the university community to rely only on official communication from the institution as investigations continue.”
