The fatal shooting of Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Deputy Vice-Chancellor Sinethemba Mpambane was likely an assassination, not a robbery, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said on Friday.
Mpambane was shot dead inside his car near the university’s Enkululekweni campus in Mthatha on Thursday evening. He had only taken up his role overseeing institutional support and development in February. His death has shocked the university community, coming just months after student Sisonke Mbolekwa was killed during a campus protest in April.
Police found R27,000 in cash, a laptop, and cellphones untouched in Mpambane’s car, ruling out robbery as a motive. “We are investigating all possible angles,” Masemola said after visiting Mthatha to assess the case. A specialized team, including Crime Intelligence and organized crime units, has been assigned to the investigation.
WSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Rushiella Songca described Mpambane as a dedicated leader whose death has left a deep void. University council chairperson Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi urged police to act swiftly, saying, “Our staff and society deserve protection from criminals.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and higher education officials also condemned the killing. Portfolio Committee on Higher Education chairman Tebogo Letsie said universities should be safe spaces, not scenes of violence. Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane expressed deep concern, calling for urgent safety measures on campuses.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed Mpambane was shot multiple times while seated in his car near the N2 highway. No arrests have been made, and police have appealed for public cooperation.
This is the second violent incident at WSU this year. In April, a residence manager allegedly shot and killed student Sisonke Mbolekwa during protests. The accused was released on R10,000 bail.
Masemola warned that WSU risks becoming a “hotspot” for violence, raising concerns for student safety. Authorities are under pressure to solve Mpambane’s killing and restore stability to the university.
Investigations continue, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.