Student shot dead during protest at Walter Sisulu University

MTHATHA - A student has been shot and killed during a protest at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the Eastern Cape.

Police say initial reports indicate that the student was shot by the university residence manager when students took their protest to his residence on Tuesday morning.

It's alleged students torched a vehicle near a student accommodation.

The institution in Mthatha has halted all operations for the day.

In the afternoon, there was a heavy police presence on campus after the deadly shooting of the student.

Police guarded the main campus gate to prevent protesting students from causing more chaos on the busy N2 highway. 

Students say all they wanted was their unresolved demands to be addressed.

The want a bigger study centre, safe accommodation, the removal of male security guards at female students’ residences and strong internet connectivity – among other things. 

A of the Students Representative Council member, Afikile Magubeni, recalls what happened.  

“Unfortunately, it’s been weeks and weeks since we’re doing follow ups about those grievances, they started shouting the name of the official and he came out of his house and started shooting at the student without warning.”

Students gathered at the main entrance of the campus while a group of armed public order police keep a watchful eye on their movements.