Two die, one critical after varsity attack

TWO unidentified men have been killed, allegedly at the hands of angry Walter Sisulu University students, at the Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha.

Student leader Melikhaya Mcitwa said the incident leading to the deaths occurred at the Phulo residence at about 9pm on Friday.

Police spokeswoman Captain Dineo Koena said police had been called to the university, where they were met by a group of angry students throwing stones and attempting to block access.

“We have not made any arrests yet. However, we are confirming that one male has lost his life in the premises of the university and two have sustained serious injuries and are being treated at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital,” Koena said.

However, a second man succumbed to his injuries at midday yesterday.

Provincial health spokesman Siyanda Manana confirmed his death.

“One of the two men who were admitted at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital has died today [yesterday],” Manana said.

“The other is still critical but doctors are doing everything possible to save his life.”

The third man, who sustained serious head injuries during the Friday night attack, is said to be in a coma. The families of the three men have not yet been notified.

Police said the three men had been accused of stealing. However, no items had been reported stolen.

“When the police rescued the two men from the students, there were no items found on them. However, students claimed that they have been victims of crime and that they have been losing valuables,” Koena said.

She said the men had had no form of identification on them.

“We will run fingerprint checks on the deceased and begin the process of investigation.”

WSU spokeswoman Yonela Tukwayo was unavailable for comment at the time of writing yesterday.