Student’s murder condemned

HIGHER Education and Training Minister Dr Blade Nzimande yesterday condemned what he termed “criminal behaviour” by five Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students accused of stabbing to death a sixth-year medical student at the institution last week.

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) called yesterday for an inquiry into the death of Lwando Mantshontsho.

He was stabbed, allegedly by the five fellow students, during what was described by police as a “violent altercation”.

The five have since appeared in court on murder charges and their case was postponed to May 24.

They are Sindile Kango, 21, a firstyear economics student, third-year medical student Yamkela Mxokozeli, 23, fourth-year medical student Siphesihle Mafungwa, 21, third-year education student Philani Dance, 23, and first-year medical student Lwakhe Matakane, 20.

According to Nzimande’s department, Mantshontsho was one of 100 students being funded by the government, having been recruited in Grade 12 in Lusikisiki in 2011.

“My heartfelt condolences go to Lwando’s family, friends and all who knew him at WSU. It is tragic that he was just about to complete his medical studies,” Nzimande said.

SAMA said such incidents were part of a trend at WSU.

It called on President Jacob Zuma and Nzimande to institute an inquiry into the murder and the overall situation on WSU’s Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha.

Mantshontsho’s death came about when a violent altercation took place on Thursday night at a party.

The five accused later went to the residences of the sixth-year students and allegedly stabbed three of them, two of whom are in hospital.

The five were denied bail in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court.