Assassinations and threats on staff at University of Fort Hare

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande, will visit the University of Fort Hare on Wednesday, 11 January, following a pattern of assassinations and threats against university staff.

Consultations to take place at the university

The most recent murder was of the Executive Protection Officer to the Vice Chancellor, Mboneli Vesele.

He was murdered at the university.

Nzimande will consult with a variety of stakeholders, including the University Council, Executive Management, Trade Unions, and the Student Representative Council.

All the consultations will take place between 09:15-13:00 and Nzimande, joined by the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, will announce the outcome of the consultations and share critical information.

Apparent assassination attempt of vice chancellor

The bodyguard of University of Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor Sakhele Buhlungu was shot dead in an apparent assassination attempt.

On Friday, 6 January, gunmen opened fire on his car, killing him.

Members of the public notified the South African Police Service (SAPS) about the shooting.

When they arrived at the scene, they discovered the deceased’s body in the vehicle.

The driver was on his way to the vice-chancellor’s house when an unknown vehicle with unidentified occupants approached.

The suspects began firing gunshots at the driver, who died from gunshot wounds at the scene.