Tensions were high at the Durban University of Technology on Wednesday when students filled the streets, protesting after the death of a fellow student.
The Jozini born student was allegedly shot by a security guard when a scuffle ensued between them and a group of students.
The death of the student sent shockwaves on social media.
A student was shot with live ammunition in front of his fellow students at DUT
Any counseling programs or any help provided already by the university, government or the president to those traumatized students who saw their peer being killed?
Imagine if he was white#DUTShooting
— Thabiso 👑 (@Thabisoo_T) February 6, 2019
So now we Kill students for protesting for better Residence, consistant Funding and no Exclusions?😊
— Khaye Makhoba (@Khaymakhoba) February 6, 2019
Thobani Ntuli the former EFF Student Council’s Chairperson alleged that the killing of Mlungisi Madonsela was a personal attack on the EFFSC. He said this during a media briefing that took place opposite the road from DUT- the location where the shooting is alleged to have taken place. Students had gathered there to mourn the death of Madonsela.
He said a student had never been killed under the leadership of Sasco or any other group but now that the EFF was in power students were being shot at with live ammunition. “At DUT just because Sasco lost now the EFF must be harmed physically?” he asked.
Not far from the EFF briefing Sasco also had a press briefing but theirs was quickly interrupted by members of the EFF.
After the Interruption, Mqondisi Duma, the Provincial Coordinator for Sasco said he wanted to express his deep condolences to the family of the slain student and that it should not matter which party a person belongs to because students support students.
He added that the shutdown will continue because students need allowances, they need funding and should be allowed to register but said he condemned any violence or damaging of property in institutions as that does not help the struggle.
In a statement, Professor Thandwa Mthembu DUT’s vice chancellor sent his condolences to the students family and condemned the use of live ammunition on campus.
“We condemn the use of live ammunition in the strongest possible terms. We will act swiftly once competent authorities have completed their investigation,” read the statement.
