The University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape
Image via: @ufh1916 / Twitter
‘The SIU will nab big people’: Fort Hare VC speaks out following assassination attempt
University of Fort Hare VC, Prof Sakhela Buhlungu has spoken out following an attempted assassination and is begging for protection.
The University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape
Image via: @ufh1916 / Twitter
University of Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu says the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will nab big people regarding its probe on allegations of maladministration in the awarding of Honours degrees, mismanagement of funds and sourcing of public servants for study for personal gain at the institution.
Buhlungu survived an assassination attempt on Friday, 6 January, outside his residence in Alice in the Eastern Cape.
FORT HARE VC SURVIVES PLANNED ASSASSINATION
As previously reported, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) confirmed that its Prof Sakhela Buhlungu survived an assassination; however, his bodyguard was shot dead.
The University’s spokesperson JP Roodt said Mboneli Vesele was killed after bullets were sprayed on the VC’s university vehicle. His next of kin were informed, and the institution is offering support.
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South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner in the Eastern Cape Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene said members were alerted to the shooting incident by members of the public. On arrival at the scene, they indeed found the body of the deceased in the vehicle.
“According to the report, the driver was arriving at Buhlungu’s home, when an unknown vehicle with unidentified occupants approached. The suspects started firing gunshots at the driver who succumbed to gunshot injuries at the scene.
“The suspects later escaped in their getaway vehicle. Police have registered a murder case for investigation. The circumstances surrounding the incident will also form part of the investigation. No arrest made at this stage.”
Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene
In August 2022, the SIU confirmed that it would also be probing four tenders, including contracts for cleaning and gardening services, the leasing of student accommodation, and the appointment of the service provider responsible for the maintenance and repair of air conditioning systems at Fort Hare.
Speaking to Sunday Times, Buhlungu said he thinks this time around, not the local police, police station commander, provincial commissioner, or national police commissioner, but President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to assure him of his safety.
“Universities are becoming killing fields, and it cannot be business as usual…It’s getting very close now. The SIU will arrest big people who are now at risk. That’s why they want to kill this thing off, and the only way to kill it off is to kill me,” he told Sunday Times.
