Wits EFF Youth Command pays tribute to late Mthokozisi Ntumba

The streets of Braamfontein, Johannesburg were filled with red as members of the Wits Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC) gathered in memory of Mthokozisi Ntumba, a young man whose life was tragically cut short by police brutality. The commemoration, held at the intersection now called Ntumba Street, was not just an act of remembrance but a powerful statement against the injustices that continue to claim young lives.

Mthokozisi Ntumba, a 35-year-old civilian and father of four, was shot and killed by police on March 10, 2021, during a student protest near Wits University. He had just visited a doctor’s office when he was caught in the chaos of police action against demonstrating students.

The students were protesting for free higher education and the financial exclusion of many who could not afford tuition fees. Police officers fired rubber bullets indiscriminately, and Ntumba, who was not part of the protest, was struck multiple times at close range.

Despite attempts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His death sent shockwaves through the country, sparking outrage over police brutality and the reckless use of force against civilians.

The gathering at Ntumba Street was more than just a moment of silence; it was an act of defiance. Members of Wits EFFYC, along with students and activists, came together to resist the normalisation of brutality. Chants of justice filled the air, placards and red shirts painted a picture of unwavering commitment, and the energy of the crowd spoke volumes about the urgency of their cause.

The hashtags #JusticeForNtumba and #JikijelaNgamatshe reinforced the demand for accountability, a call to never forget what happened and to ensure that such tragedies do not repeat.

The commemoration underscored the need for systemic change. Police brutality, unchecked state power, and the targeting of young activists have become all too common in South Africa.

For Wits EFFYC and those who attended, Ntumba’s death was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern—one that demands urgent intervention. As the streets echoed with voices demanding justice, one thing was clear: Mthokozisi Ntumba’s memory would not fade into silence