The shooting happened on Wednesday evening in Groenewoud Street in Universitas. 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 said 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 said on Thursday 1 June 2023, police were 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. 

ALSO READ: Manhunt launched following Free State student's death

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

ALSO READ: Accommodation where students were killed was unaccredited

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.

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