UJ student killed in Braamfontein shooting
The university has offered counselling to students who witnessed or are affect by the shooting incident.
A shooting in Braamfontein has sparked outrage on social media after a university student from the University of Johannesburg, as well as two other people were killed.
On February 29, unknown suspects shot two men who were sitting inside a parked vehicle on Jorissen Street, opposite the Wits Art Museum. During the shooting, a university bus caught in the crossfire was hit, resulting in two students being shot.
“Both the men in the vehicle and one student from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) were declared dead on the scene while another student was taken to the nearest hospital for medical treatment,” said provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
“The motive of the shooting is subject to police investigation and a case of murder and attempted murder has been opened. No one has been arrested.”
UJ has said it is saddened by the death of the student.
“The deceased, an 18-year-old male, was a second-year student. Our thoughts are with the families of the affected students,” said UJ’s media relations, Herman Esterhuizen.
“The two were among the students who were travelling in a bus from the university to their places of residence in the city centre.
“UJ is in contact with law enforcement agencies who are investigating the incident.”
Yusuf Abramjee took to X, “Looks like a taxi-related hit.” This has however not been officially confirmed.
Many others also took to X to react to the shooting
What happened in Braam is quite scary, imagine, a passerby student got killed by stray bullets on a random Thursday afternoon? That’s wild! SA is such a crazy place to live in.
— uLelo ♀️ (@lelo_mjikeliso) February 29, 2024
knowing that the parents of the students were killed in the braam shooting have to bear such tragic news is giving me chills down my spine yoh
— Dreams Drenched in Gold. (@ThulitotheTop) February 29, 2024
The shooting in braam? Yeah no, the disregard of life and people??? Imagine those who witnessed such? such trauma, the families of the deceased?? horrifying..
— Undeserved Favour. (@gracesupremacy_) February 29, 2024
Imagine sending your kid to school and you recieve a body bag in return! Yohh!!! I cannot begin to imagine the pain the victims families are in
— Delight Mkhabela (@agent_deee_) February 29, 2024
A statement from UJ released on X said, “Our PsyCaD crisis line is a 24-hour service offered to all who are in need of immediate support and guidance in a crisis situation. When individuals have to cope with a crisis, they can contact a counsellor for assistance on 082 054 1137. The crisis line counsellor can offer immediate emotional assistance, as well as practical referral information.”
Wits University has also shared information for students who would like some support following the ‘terrible incident’. “Visit the counselling unit (CCDU) or email info.ccdu@wits.ac.za for confidential counselling support in person or online. For emergency counselling, please contact the Wits Student Crisis Line 0800 111 331.”
Anyone who may have information that can assist with the investigation or tracing of the suspects is requested to contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or report anonymous tip-offs on MySapsApp.
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