A student was fatally shot during protests over accommodation conditions at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha on Tuesday morning. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for immediate justice from the student body.

The student was allegedly shot by a residence manager during demonstrations against poor living conditions at campus accommodations. The shooting occurred as tensions escalated between protesters and university staff.

Students responded by setting fire to debris across the main campus and burning a vehicle reportedly belonging to the staff member involved. Protesters chanted slogans demanding accountability throughout the day.

“Our demands as students right now are that Mr Mampane must go to jail, he must also stop working, [and] that gun must be taken from him because it is clear that people around him are not safe anymore,” said Student Representative Council member Indiphile Mgaba.

The protests gradually subsided by late afternoon, though students continued to gather in smaller groups across campus, demanding immediate action from university management and law enforcement.

A student who requested anonymity described the campus atmosphere as tense and emotional. “The students are frustrated, and they want justice for the student that was shot,” they told reporters.

Police have confirmed they have opened an investigation into the incident. No arrests had been made at the time of reporting.

University management had not issued an official statement by press time. Sources indicate emergency meetings were being held to address the crisis.

This incident comes amid growing concerns about safety and living conditions at several South African universities, where students have increasingly resorted to protests to highlight their grievances.