The Free State police have arrested a 28-year-old man after a 20-year-old man, believed to be a student in Bloemfontein, was found lying in a pool of blood at student accommodation in Universitas.

The shooting happened on Wednesday evening in Groenewoud Street. It’s understood the police arrived on the scene at about 19:35 and found the victim lying in a pool of blood on the ground.

Free State police spokesperson Thabo Covane says the victim had a gunshot wound on the right side of his chest and couldn’t speak properly as he was in pain. All police could gather at the time was that he would be able to identify the suspect. The victim was then rushed to hospital, while police recovered a used 9mm cartridge, and live ammunition from the crime scene.

Following the incident, students expressed their frustration on social media platforms about the continuous and countless robberies and burglaries in the area. Some expressed concerns for their safety after the shooting of a fellow student. Others called on landlords to start accounting for their safety at student accommodation in Universitas.

Meanwhile, Covane says police are tasked to follow up on the incident involving the 28-year-old suspect. He will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon. At the moment it’s unclear if the suspect is a student too.

Last year, a CUT student was robbed and murdered by suspects at the corner of John Knox and Calvyn Street in Universitas.

In 2021, a group of University of the Free State students were attacked and killed at Botjabela Village. The attack took place at student accommodation that was only verified but not accredited.

Off-campus security to be enhanced

The University of the Free State (UFS) has vowed to enhance security with an additional off-campus security provider following the attempted murder of a student.

Students have since expressed their concerns on social media about continuous robberies and burglaries in the suburb.

UFS spokesperson Lacea Loader says the shooting took place off-campus at a provisionally accredited residence. When the incident was reported, UFS Protection Services dispatched a contracted private security company to the scene.

But the university cannot comment on the shooting as it is still under investigation by the police.

Loader says the university is committed to the safety of all students, both on and off campus. The provision of additional off-campus security patrols by an external service provider will be enhanced during the examination period from Monday.

“Crime is a reality,” she adds. ”Students and staff are again requested to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the university’s Protection Services at 0800 204 682 or to the SAPS via the MySAPS app.”

Source: OFM News