A Walter Sisulu University student was shot in Mthatha after a fight apparently broke out over student election results, police said on Sunday.

Superintendent Mzukisi Fatyela said the student died after being shot at the university campus at about 3pm.

He said the student was apparently trying to stop a fight amongst students after dissatisfaction over student representative council elections.

He was allegedly shot by a campus security guard.

A security guard was arrested and is being detained by police.

An investigation into exactly what happened is being conducted.

Fatyela said the situation at the university remained tense throughout Sunday.

"The situation was very tense and we had to deploy a number of police [there] to keep things under control," he said.

Sapa