The Eastern Cape police are investigating a case of attempted murder after an employee of the University of Fort Hare was discovered tied and gagged in his apartment on January 18. The police emphasized that they do not think the event is linked to the recent worrisome occurrences at the university.
Colleagues of the 32-year-old victim noted that he did not report to work and went to his apartment to check.
As soon as the victim’s coworkers discovered him with his wrists bound and his mouth covered, they took him to a local hospital for treatment.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation. No injuries were reported. A case of attempted murder has been registered for investigation,” said Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana.
“No arrest made at this stage. It must be noted that the SAPS does not relate or associate this incident with previous incidents which were reported and associated with Fort Hare University employees.”
A week ago, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande visited the institution after an attempt on Vice-Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu’s life. Nzimande described the incident as part of a pattern of assassinations and threats against university personnel.
Mboneli Vesele, the bodyguard of the Vice-Chancellor, was slain in the assault on January 6th. In May 2022, Petrus Roets, the university’s fleet manager, was shot and murdered.
It is believed that the deaths at the university are related to the uncovering of corruption within the school. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) stated in August 2022 that it will examine charges of maladministration in the granting of Honors degrees, misappropriation of funds, and the sourcing of public officials for personal benefit at Fort Hare.