Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr
Blade Nzimande, has expressed his sadness at the brutal murder of final year
Law student at the University of Fort Hare in East London, Nosicelo Mtebeni.
Nzimande passed his heartfelt condolences to her family, friends
and the management and fellow students of the University of Fort Hare.
“I denounce such barbaric and shameful acts committed
against women, both in our institutions of learning and in society in general.
Our society cannot continue harbouring such disgraceful people and criminals,
who are hellbent to tear the moral fibre of our society apart. What is even so saddening
is that the suspect would even commit such a gruesome act as we mark and
celebrate Women’s Month,” the Minster said.
It is alleged that Mtebeni (23) was brutally killed by her
boyfriend that has been arrested by the police. “I trust that our criminal
justice system will ensure his speedy prosecution,” Nzimande said.
Mtebeni’s murder came to light when members of SAPS Crime
Prevention were patrolling Fitzpatrick Road in East London on Thursday, August
19, when they were stopped by a motorist, informing them about a body that was
seen in a suitcase at Quigney.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Brig.
Tembinkosi Kinana, upon arrival at the corner of Fleet Street and Fitzpatrick
Road, a suitcase with a body was found. Next to it a black bag with more body
parts were found.
He added that whilst at the scene, police received
information that a man, believed to be linked to the murder, was found. He was
arrested immediately.
“On further investigation, which led the police to the
house where the two lived, a plastic bag with other parts of the body was also
discovered.”
The Minister said that the Department of Higher Education
and Training remains committed to creating a safer and caring post-school
education and training environment, with a concerted focus on safety and
protection of all on campuses, in particular female students and staff.
He added that the Department of Higher Education and
Training has mandated HIGHER HEALTH- an entity of the Department of Higher
Education and Training, which is responsible for implementing programmes
against gender-based violence on university and TVET college campuses – to work
together with the University of Fort Hare to provide psychological support to
students and all affected parties.
Nzimande also thanked the leadership demonstrated by the
Vice Chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, for considering ways to best
honour Mtebeni and for offering emergency trauma debriefing sessions to
students.
“I am adding my voice to the necessity for societal
mobilisation to defeat the scourge of gender-based violence across all sectors
of society. I urge all our institutions to vigorously implement the framework
for gender equality as developed by the department and the sector.
“By working together, confronting difficult challenges and
mobilising everyone in and around our institutions, we shall create a society
where everyone, especially women, feel safe and are safe at all times and in
all places,” Nzimande said.
