IN CONVERSATION WITH WILLIAM BALOYI
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The South African government has strongly condemned the violent incidents that have erupted at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The unrest stems from student protests following the release on bail of Mr. Manelisi Mampana, the acting residence manager, who faces charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a student during a previous protest.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, the government denounces the violence and destruction of property, including the barricading of the N2 highway with burning tyres. Such actions not only pose a threat to public safety but also disrupt essential services and detract from the legitimacy of the students' concerns.
The government urges students and all stakeholders to remain calm and to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue. It calls on student leaders and university officials to work closely with law enforcement to restore order and ensure that legal processes proceed without interference or intimidation. The rule of law must be upheld, and justice must be allowed to run its course. Government remains committed to ensuring that institutions of higher learning are safe and conducive spaces for all.
In a separate incident, government also strongly condemns the fatal shootout between illegal miners and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Riverlea, Johannesburg, which resulted in at least one death. Such criminal activity endangers both law enforcement officers and the surrounding communities.
Government expresses its condolences to the family of the deceased and commends the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies for their continued efforts to combat illegal mining, which remains a serious threat to public safety and national infrastructure. Citizens are urged to support these efforts by reporting illegal activities in their areas.
Violence — whether on campuses or in communities — has no place in our society. Upholding peace, justice, and the rule of law requires the active participation of all South Africans.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, the government denounces the violence and destruction of property, including the barricading of the N2 highway with burning tyres. Such actions not only pose a threat to public safety but also disrupt essential services and detract from the legitimacy of the students' concerns.
The government urges students and all stakeholders to remain calm and to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue. It calls on student leaders and university officials to work closely with law enforcement to restore order and ensure that legal processes proceed without interference or intimidation. The rule of law must be upheld, and justice must be allowed to run its course. Government remains committed to ensuring that institutions of higher learning are safe and conducive spaces for all.
In a separate incident, government also strongly condemns the fatal shootout between illegal miners and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Riverlea, Johannesburg, which resulted in at least one death. Such criminal activity endangers both law enforcement officers and the surrounding communities.
Government expresses its condolences to the family of the deceased and commends the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies for their continued efforts to combat illegal mining, which remains a serious threat to public safety and national infrastructure. Citizens are urged to support these efforts by reporting illegal activities in their areas.
Violence — whether on campuses or in communities — has no place in our society. Upholding peace, justice, and the rule of law requires the active participation of all South Africans.