MINISTER NZIMANDE STATEMENT ON CONTINUING MURDER OF PSET STUDENTS
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, is outraged and strongly condemns the continuing murder of the Post School Education and Training students.
On Sunday 12 February 2023, the Eastcape Midlands TVET College students, Busiwe Notyawe, Sesethu Dweba and Asanda Ngubo were murdered whilst socialising in a public entertainment venue.
According to preliminary investigations, the students were socialising at a sit-in place at Kwazakele when an unknown gunman forced the door of the house open and fired shots at them. The motive for the killing is still under investigation.
At the time of their unfortunate death, these students were enrolled for N5 Management Assistant and Financial Management at the College’s Heath Park Campus in Qgeberha.
On Tuesday 21st of February 2023, Lesego Tsindo a 22-year-old male student at Sydney Maseko Community College was stabbed to death close to where he lives.
On Thursday 23rd of February 2023, Thabang Ndlovu a 19-year-old male student at Aaron Moeti Community College was also stabbed to death. He was found lying on the sports ground near the Aaroo Moeti Communicty by community members and fellow students.
Minister Nzimande calls upon the law enforcement agencies to investigate all the circumstances that might have led to death of these students.
On Thursday 23rd February 2023, three University of Fort Hare female students were mugged and assaulted on their way to the university’s Alice campus. One of the students was killed and the other student was raped.
This crusome incident occurred outside the university premises on the Tyhume river bridge that connects the town of Alice with the univefsity campus.
Minister Nzimande thanks the South Africa Police service for their swift investigation which led to the questioning of one suspect.
Minister Nzimande calls for members of the public who might have information to help with the investigations to contact the Alice police station.
The Minister appeals to all students to be more circumspect in and off campus and eqully calls upon all the institutions to establish institutional community safety and security forums to discuss safety issues affecting institutions and community atlarge.
“We must recognize that our Post School Education and Training (PSET) sector is a microcosm of our greater society. This is clearly demonstrated in the manifestation and in many instances of reproduction of social pathologies on our campuses such as rape, violent murders, mostly against women,” said Minister Nzimande.
The Minister further encourage all the Vice Chancellors (VC) and TVET College Principals to continue to engage with the Department of Higher Education and Training on all security related issues to enable the Department to engage with the Cabinet Security Cluster, particularly on security concerns that have an impact on the institutions’ ability to perform their duties.
The Minister sends his heartfelt condolences to all the families of the deceased students, their friends and all the institutions where the students were enrolled. Equally the Minister wishes those in hospital a speedy recovery.
