Eastern Cape police have confirmed the arrest of a 54-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of a young man during a violent student protest at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) earlier this week. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, 15 April, sparked outrage and heightened tensions across the university community.
The suspect was arrested in Mthatha on Thursday, 17 April, and has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder. According to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS), he is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, 22 April 2025.
The arrest follows growing public pressure after a WSU student was fatally shot and another injured amid ongoing protests over campus security and student grievances. Students had been voicing frustrations related to accommodation shortages, safety issues, and alleged mismanagement at the university.
While the suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, authorities say the investigation is still ongoing. “While this arrest is a critical step, the investigation remains active. No further details will be released at this time to preserve the integrity of the case,” read the SAPS statement.
Campus tensions remain high, with calls for justice and accountability echoing through student forums and social media. Many are demanding clarity on how live ammunition was introduced into a campus demonstration and have called for greater transparency from both the university and law enforcement.
University officials have not yet issued a full statement, though additional security measures have reportedly been implemented to restore calm. The situation continues to evolve, and updates are expected as more information becomes available from investigators.
