Former Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) student leader Xolani Ngema was gunned down outside campus in Umlazi, north of KwaZulu Natal on Tuesday afternoon. Ngema, an engineering graduate was allegedly shot six times by unknown men in front of students.

HELPING STUDENTS

 Ngema is said to have been assisting students with late registrations and NSFAS applications at the entrance of the institution when he met his untimely death. Witnesses who spoke to ZiMoja said they believe Ngema was targeted because he was surrounded by students he was helping when he was killed. "They went straight to him and shot him at close range we had to run for cover as we were scared that they may shoot us," the witness said.

?STUDENT LEADER

Ngema is a former South African Students Congress (Sasco) leader at MUT. He was described as a good person who loved helping students. "It was painful to see him body lying by the gate. You are asking yourself who would want him dead,' another witness said. This is not the first incident where something horrific happened at the institution, Bongani Sanele Mbatha was sentenced to 22 years behind bars for stabbing Xolile Mbath who a final year electrical engineering student in July 2022 was. Mbatha was murdered inside the Ark Royal Student residence in Durban. 

POLICE INVESTIGATING MURDER

 KZN police Spokesperson Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed the incident. "Police in Umlazi are investigating a case of murder following an incident that occurred on 7 March 2023 on Mangosuthu Highway. It is alleged that a 31-year-old man was shot and killed by unknown suspects,' Ngconbo said.