Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande has condemned the killing of a University of Johannesburg (UJ) student in Braamfontein, last week Thursday.

The student was killed in a crossfire while travelling from the university to their residence in the Johannesburg central business district (CBD).

Nzimande has also raised his concern about the well-being of another student, who was also shot in the same incident, and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The Minister sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased student and wished the injured student a speedy recovery.

As part of the initial response, the department said, Nzimande will contact the head of the affected academic institution, with the view to ensure that the affected students and their families are given the necessary support.

‘Further to this, the Minister will also contact the Minister of Police to assess this disturbing incident and jointly implement the necessary measures to avoid a
repeat of this dastardly act.

‘The Minister condemns this cruel act of lawlessness and believes that as a country, we must not tolerate what seems to be a growing culture of impunity on the part of criminal elements and a blatant disregard for human life,’ the department said in a statement.

Nzimande is expected to visit the families of the victims on Monday.

Source: South African Government News Agency