WSU Student Shot Dead While Retreating During Protest: Community Demands Justice
The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) community mourns the tragic death of a student. Someone shot him dead while he retreated during a protest at the Mthatha campus last week. According to his family, Sisonke Mbalekwa was killed while running away from the demonstration. This devastating incident has ignited widespread anger. The university and the broader community fervently call for accountability.
Family’s Account of WSU Student’s Death
Sisonke Mbalekwa’s family bravely revealed the harrowing circumstances of his death. Their spokesperson, Ncebo Kolanisi, made the statement. It coincided with the initial court appearance of the alleged perpetrator, 54-year-old Manelisi Mampana, at the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court. Mampana now faces severe charges, including murder, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. These charges connect to the WSU student shot dead case.
Student Outcry for Justice After Fatal Shooting
Hundreds of determined WSU students gathered outside the courthouse. They united in their unwavering demand for justice for their fallen peer, the WSU student shot dead. The magistrate controversially decided to restrict media coverage within the court proceedings. This incensed many. EFF MP Sihle Lonzi vehemently criticized the ruling. He forcefully emphasized the public’s fundamental right to be informed about the developments in the case of the student shot dead during the protest. The legal proceedings have been postponed until May 2nd, leaving students and the wider community in anxious anticipation. eNCA comprehensively reported on the intense student protests following the news of the WSU student shot dead.
Key Details Surrounding the WSU Shooting
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, officially confirmed Mbolekwa’s registration as a WSU student. He also received financial aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The Daily Maverick further reported that Mbolekwa diligently pursued a Bachelor of Education degree at the time of the tragic WSU student shot dead incident.
The Tragic Sequence of Events During the Protest
Initial reports about Mbolekwa’s student status conflicted. However, the university administration later unequivocally confirmed his enrollment. Minister Nkabane detailed that a violent altercation tragically erupted. It involved students and the residence manager. This ultimately led to the fatal shooting. The WSU student was shot dead. Sadly, Mbolekwa succumbed to the critical injuries he sustained. Two other students were also wounded during the chaotic events of the student protest.
Underlying Issues Fueling the Student Protests
The deep-seated grievances regarding the unacceptable living conditions at the WSU Mthatha campus were the underlying cause of the intense student protests. EWN extensively reported on the students’ demonstrations. They protested against the substandard living conditions. The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) strongly condemned the senseless shooting. They powerfully highlighted the students’ long-standing and unmet demands for significant improvements in accommodation and overall campus safety. Tragically, this culminated in the WSU student shot dead incident. SAFTU issued a forceful statement that unequivocally condemned the violence.
The Arrest and Charges Against the Accused
The accused individual, Manelisi Mampana, worked as a residence manager at WSU. Authorities apprehended him on April 17, 2025. He now faces a litany of severe charges directly related to the tragic shooting where the WSU student was shot dead.
Aftermath and Investigation into the Fatal Shooting
The shocking shooting sent profound shockwaves throughout the entire university community and the wider surrounding areas. Because of this tragedy, where a WSU student was shot dead, all classes were temporarily suspended. Investigations immediately launched. Their purpose is to meticulously determine the complete and precise circumstances surrounding the deeply disturbing incident. The Department of Higher Education solemnly vowed full accountability. The students are collectively demanding concrete and immediate measures to ensure the long-term safety and security of the campus environment following the student shot dead during the protest.
Demands for Justice and Accountability
The utterly tragic death of Sisonke Mbalekwa intensified the urgent calls for justice and comprehensive accountability. The grieving students resolutely demand that all individuals responsible for his untimely death be held fully accountable under the law. This is the case where the WSU student was shot dead. Furthermore, they insist that robust and effective measures be urgently put in place to proactively prevent any similar devastating incidents from ever occurring again on the WSU campus.
The Impact of the Tragedy on the WSU Community
The senseless shooting has had a deeply profound and lasting impact on the entire WSU community. Students collectively mourn the irreplaceable loss of a cherished fellow student. A palpable sense of fear and insecurity now permeates the campus environment. The university administration is actively working to directly address these significant concerns. They aim to diligently restore a crucial sense of safety, security, and trust within the student body and the broader university community in the wake of the WSU student shot dead.
Conclusion: The Pursuit of Justice
The tragic shooting at Walter Sisulu University is a deeply disturbing event. A WSU student was shot dead while retreating during a protest. This starkly highlighted the critical and ongoing issue of campus safety. It also underscored the urgent imperative of effectively addressing legitimate student grievances. As the official investigation diligently continues and the complex legal process steadily unfolds, the entire WSU community remains steadfastly united. Their unwavering demand is for justice for the late Sisonke Mbalekwa. They also seek the establishment of a demonstrably safer and more secure campus environment for the benefit of all students.
