By Zanele Makola
Eastern Cape police have launched a murder investigation following the fatal shooting of a senior Walter Sisulu University (WSU) official in Mthatha.
Sinethemba Mpambane, the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Support and Development, was gunned down in an execution-style killing near the institution’s Nkululekweni campus entrance on Thursday evening.
Police spokesperson Colonel Nobuntu Kantana confirmed that officers responded to the scene shortly before 6pm, where they discovered Mpambane’s body inside a stationary vehicle near the N2 highway.
“Preliminary forensic evidence indicates that the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds while seated in the car,” Kantana said. “At this stage, the motive for the killing is unknown, and investigations are ongoing.”
This incident marks the second fatal shooting connected to WSU this year. In a separate case earlier in 2025, a student, Sisonke Mbolekwa, was killed on campus during a protest. Residence manager Manalesi Mampane was arrested in connection with the shooting and is currently out on bail, facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major-General Thandiswa Kupiso has urged the public to refrain from speculation while the investigation is underway.
“SAPS has mobilised maximum resources to pursue all leads,” said Kupiso. “We are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and contact CrimeStop.”
The shocking incident has drawn a strong reaction from the university’s leadership. Chairperson of the WSU Council, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, expressed deep sorrow over Mpambane’s death.
“This appears to be a brazen assassination, and we are deeply shocked and disturbed,” Ngcukaitobi said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the broader WSU community. The matter has been escalated to law enforcement, and we trust that swift justice will follow.”
Police continue to urge anyone with information to call CrimeStop anonymously at 08600 10111.
