Fatal shooting of WSU deputy vice chancellor prompts Minister Nkabane's call for action
Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has expressed “deep sorrow and concern” over the fatal shooting of Sinethemba Mpambane, deputy vice chancellor for institutional support and development at Walter Sisulu University.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening, near the Nkululekweni entrance gate adjacent to the N2 highway.
Police discovered Mpambane’s body inside a stationary vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. He was seated in the driver’s seat at the time of the shooting.
Preliminary forensic analysis confirmed the traumatic injuries, raising urgent questions about the motive behind the attack that shattered the calm on campus.
Reacting to the killing, Nkabane said the 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.
“The minister visited the university and the Mbolekwa family following that tragedy to offer support and to understand the circumstances surrounding the loss,” said Nkabane’s spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana.
Mavovana said Nkabane is deeply disturbed by the recurrence of violence in an institution of higher learning.
“The safety and well-being of students and staff must be prioritised at all times,” Mavovana said.
“The academic community cannot thrive in an environment characterised by fear and violence.”
Nkabane emphasised that institutions of higher learning must remain sanctuaries for teaching, learning, and transformation.
She is expected to meet with Walter Sisulu University Vice Chancellor Professor Rushiella Songca and the chairperson of the university council to assess current security protocols and discuss immediate measures to ensure campus safety.
Nkabane extended her condolences to Mpambane’s family and the 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,” she said.
“Our universities must not become places of violence and loss. They must remain spaces of hope, growth, and opportunity.”
As the investigation unfolds, forensic experts and detectives are meticulously combing through the secured crime scene, seeking vital evidence that could shed light on this untimely death.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, said SAPS has mobilised maximum resources to pursue all leads.
“Public speculation must be avoided to preserve the integrity of the investigation,” Kupiso stated.
The SAPS is appealing to anyone with pertinent information related to the incident to come forward. They may reach out through the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App, which allows users to report criminal activity anonymously.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News