Walter Sisulu University employee shot dead at campus gate

A Walter Sisulu University employee was shot dead on campus.

Supplied/Walter Sisulu University

A staff member of Walter Sisulu University (WSU) was shot dead on the Mthatha campus on Thursday evening.

Eastern Cape police said the employee was discovered inside a stationary vehicle,near the Nkululekweni entrance gate adjacent to the N2 highway,just before 18:00.

“Preliminary forensic analysis confirms the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds while seated in the driver’s [seat]. The motive remains unknown,” said Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana.

“The identity of the deceased will be formally released once next-of-kin notification is complete,as per SAPS (South African Police Service) protocol. Forensic experts and detectives are actively processing the secured crime scene.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Mthatha residents were on Thursday participating in a day of mourning at the nearby King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College,following devastating floods last week that left at least 92 dead and over 4 000 households destroyed.

READ | Walter Sisulu University student remembered as caring and protective at memorial service

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso said they had mobilised maximum resources to pursue all leads in the staff member’s murder.

“Public speculation must be avoided to preserve the integrity of the investigation,” said Kupiso.

ADVERTISEMENT

This is the second reported shooting at the campus in recent months.

On 15 April,WSU Bachelor of Education student Sisonke Mbolekwa was shot dead,allegedly by the university’s residence manager,Manelisi Mampane.

Mampane,who was arrested on charges including murder and attempted murder,is currently out on R10 000 bail.