WSU condemns brutal shooting of Deputy VC Mpambane
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has confirmed that its Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Support and Development, Sinethemba Mpambane, was the victim of the fatal shooting outside the university’s Nkululekweni campus gate in Mthatha on Thursday evening.
The university says the motive behind this tragic act remains unclear as police continue their investigations.
The Deputy Director for Communication, Mathabo Hendricks, has strongly condemned the killing and called on everyone responsible to be held accountable.
"WSU is deeply shaken by this tragic event and extends its condolences to the Mpambane family, friends, and colleagues,” Hendricks said in a heartfelt statement.
Mpambane was shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle at the entrance of the university’s campus gate at around 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Describing Mpambane as “an exceptional leader and hard worker within our university,” Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Nolundi Songca, said his sudden death had left a painful void.
Hendricks further urged students, staff, and everyone connected to the campus to come together, remain calm, and support each other during this very difficult time.
Given the university’s recent history of protests and unrest, and with just a student death two months ago, this call for peace is critical.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, also shared her deep sorrow over the incident.
She emphasised how unfortunate it is that this devastating loss 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.
After that loss, the Minister visited WSU and the Mbolekwa family, pledging support and a focus on safety, only for another death to occur two months later.
"The recurrence of such violence within an institution of higher learning is deeply troubling," she said.
Dr. Nkabane emphasized that universities should be safe havens for learning, growth, and transformation, not places marked by violence.
"The academic community cannot thrive in an environment characterised by fear and violence."
She assured that she 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.
“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,” she concluded.
The university has also reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe space where students and staff can learn and grow without fear.
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