KEY POINTS
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Sisonke Mbolekwa’s fatal shooting led to the arrest of a man.
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Three students were injured during the confrontation at the university.
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The protest over poor living conditions escalated into violent clashes.
A 54-year-old man was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Walter Sisulu University student Sisonke Mbolekwa.
Eastern Cape police confirmed the arrest on Thursday in Mthatha. The suspect faces charges of murder and attempted murder.
He is scheduled to appear in court on April 22. Brigadier Nomantu Gantana, provincial police spokesperson, said the investigation is still ongoing. “We will not release further details at this time to preserve the integrity of the case,” Gantana said.
Shooting incident details
The residence manager allegedly shot Mbolekwa fatally on Tuesday. The shooting occurred after students stormed the manager’s on-campus home.
The students had set their vehicle on fire during a protest over poor living conditions. During the confrontation, the manager allegedly opened fire, killing Mbolekwa and injuring other students.
The hospital received three injured students. During the unrest, a hard object struck the manager’s wife in the head.
Tensions escalate at the university
According to IOL, on Thursday afternoon, tensions escalated at the university after Mbolekwa’s death. Security guards fired rubber bullets at protesting students. Videos and photos circulating on social media showed chaos at the KTC residence.
The footage captured security guards shooting at students, injured students receiving medical attention, and broken windows throughout the facility.
Students have long-standing grievances about poor conditions at residences accredited by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. They cited cracked walls, damaged ceilings, and shattered tiles.
