The National Research Foundation (NRF) has condemned the killing of University of Fort Hare (UFH) Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Sakhela Buhlungu’s bodyguard Mboneli Vesele.

This comes after a shooting on Friday outside Buhlungu’s home, in what has been suggested as a hit on the vice-chancellor.

The NRF, which funds UFH research, has expressed its condolences to Vesele’s family, friends and UFH colleagues and has also come out in support of the university and the police investigation.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande is expected to visit the university on Wednesday.

“I encourage the vice-chancellors of all our universities to take up Minister Blade Nzimande’s invitation to engage with his department regarding all security-related issues that threaten the ability of higher education institutions to perform their duties in creating a conducive environment for knowledge production and innovation in support of a better society for all,” said NRF CEO Professor Fulufhelo Nelwamondo.