AbaThembu King criticizes WSU leadership following Deputy Vice Chancellor’s murder
Story by Lubabalo Ngcukana
The recent killing of Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support and Development, Dr. Sinethemba Mpambane, has sparked a strong reaction from AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, who criticized the university’s management for its ongoing mistreatment of students.
Speaking during an interview with Newsroom Afrika last weekend, King Dalindyebo said the strained relationship between the university’s leadership and its students has made it difficult for the local community to mourn Mpambane’s death. “We regret what has happened, but in the same spirit, we would like to show that we are not pleased by how the management of the institution goes on with its business,” he said.
Dr. Mpambane was gunned down in a hail of bullets outside the gates of the WSU residence at Nkululekweni. He died at the scene. Police have ruled out robbery as a motive, noting that neither his laptop nor R27,000 in cash were taken. The investigation into the motive is ongoing.
King Dalindyebo, who has previously attempted to mediate in student protests at WSU, criticized both the university leadership and law enforcement for what he sees as selective urgency. “The top brass only come out when one of their own is affected,” he remarked, referencing the swift response by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and other high-ranking officials who visited the crime scene shortly after the killing.
He also accused Mpambane of failing to support students during recent tragedies, claiming the Deputy Vice Chancellor had been “at the pivotal centre” of the university’s indifference. “Only a few days ago, we lost students in the same institution, but no such urgency was shown. Their actions on the ground don’t match their public statements,” said Dalindyebo.
In response, WSU’s Deputy Director for Marketing and Communication, Mathabo Hendricks, confirmed the attack took place as Dr. Mpambane was entering the gate of the WSU facility in Nkululekweni. She condemned the “heinous act” and called for those responsible to face justice.
Hendricks also appealed for calm and unity in the wake of the tragedy, assuring the public that a full investigation is underway.
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