The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has called on institutions across the country to prioritise campus access controls and security at its residences.
This followed the killing of a student at the Mangosuthu University of Technology.
Committee chairperson, Connie September, said universities needed to tighten residential security “as the new-found freedom among many students could unintentionally expose them to abuse”.
“The committee sends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We are extremely shocked and saddened that this tragedy happened on one of our campuses. Ms (Zolile) Khumalo did not deserve to die like this,” she said.
“At the committee, we are interested to know who gave access to this person and what motivation did he advance. The university must investigate this incident, and make sure no stones would be left unturned.
A 23-year-old male and former student at the same institution appeared in court this week in connection with the killing of Ms Khumalo, a student at Mangosuthu University of Technology's Lonsdale residence on Tuesday.
September said if it is found that the former student had worked with current students in accessing the residences, those students should be identified and disciplined accordingly.
“Murder of female students on campuses is despicable. These are the same students who are still battling rape culture and recognition in academia. A situation where campuses become places of torment should not be allowed,” she said.
