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The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Police respond to new WSU student protest
Three WSU students were arrested during Wednesday's protest and face charges of public violence, damage to infrastructure, and damage to property. Fresh student demonstrations erupted at Walter Sisulu University's Mthatha campus on Wednesday morning, prompting police deployment and the closure of the N2 highway. Students protested the bail release of a residence manager accused of murdering a fellow student. The protests began in the early hours of Wednesday, at approximately 5 am, with students burning tyres and blocking the main N2 road between Durban and the town centre. Police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, who shielded themselves with cardboard and foam materials while wearing balaclavas to avoid identification. Two police officers have reportedly been injured during a confrontation with the protesting students. Background to the new WSU protest The demonstrations stem from Tuesday's court decision to release Manelisi Mampane, a 54-year-old residence manager, on R10 000 bail. Mampane faces charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder following the fatal shooting of 24-year-old student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a campus protest in April. The original April protest involved students demonstrating over poor residence conditions and maintenance issues. During that demonstration, Mbolekwa was allegedly shot and killed by the residence manager, while other students sustained injuries. Police response to WSU unrest and the suspect's release The South African Police Service (Saps) on Wednesday morning distanced itself from the judicial decision to release Mampane, while acknowledging the community's distress. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana emphasised that the bail decision was beyond police authority. 'Saps acknowledges the ongoing student protests at the Walter Sisulu University at Mthatha campus, concerning the court-ordered release of a murder suspect linked to the death of Sisonke Mbolekwa,' Gantana said. 'We recognise the profound distress this case has caused within the university community.' Gantana reinforced constitutional rights while emphasising legal boundaries: 'Saps affirms the constitutional right to peaceful protest (Section 17) but emphasises its mandate to ensure public safety, protect infrastructure, and uphold the rule of law without interfering in judicial independence.' Gantana explained that the suspect's release was directed by the court under standard legal procedures. 'Saps has no authority over judicial decisions,' she stated. ALSO READ: Walter Sisulu University murder case: Magistrate accused of bias after employee granted R10k bail Ongoing investigation and arrests Despite the bail release, police confirmed that their investigation remains active. 'The murder investigation remains active, prioritised, and ongoing. We continue to collaborate closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to pursue justice through legal channels,' Gantana indicated. Three students were arrested during Wednesday's protest and face charges of public violence, damage to infrastructure, and damage to property. Police condemned the violent aspects of the demonstration, stating: 'We condemn reported acts of vandalism, arson, road blockades, or intimidation. Such criminal conduct diverts critical resources from the investigation and undermines the pursuit of justice.' Provincial leadership appeals for calm Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso made a direct appeal to the student community. 'We appeal for calm as we patiently allow legal processes to unfold. We encourage those who are aggrieved to channel grievances through lawful avenues,' Kupiso stated. The police leadership acknowledged the emotional aspect of the situation while calling for restraint. 'Emotional solidarity is understood, but unlawful actions jeopardise the justice we collectively seek. Saps remains unwavering in its commitment to solving this crime and securing accountability through due process,' Kupiso concluded. READ MORE: Walter Sisulu University's protest shooting denial Family's allegations and legal action According to Newzroom Afrika, the victim's family expressed deep disappointment with Tuesday's bail decision, with their spokesperson alleging judicial bias. The family reportedly believes the presiding magistrate showed favouritism during proceedings and plans to file a complaint with the Judicial Service Commission. They also announced intentions to appeal the bail decision. WSU protests impact on academic activities The ongoing unrest has disrupted university operations, with academic activities reportedly halted for approximately six weeks due to the incidents surrounding Mampane's arrest and subsequent bail release. Students who spoke to the media indicated their determination to continue the protests until justice is served. The protests have also affected local traffic patterns, with the closure of the N2 highway forcing motorists to seek alternative routes through residential areas not typically used for heavy traffic flow. Police officers have been directing traffic around the protest areas. Police have appealed to students to honour Mbolekwa's memory through constructive, non-violent means while allowing the legal system to proceed through proper channels. NOW READ: Boy shot dead in Westbury as 'gang members roam freely'
IOL News
6 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Anger at WSU as students protest bail for residence manager accused of murder
Burned tyres and rocks litter the N2 outside WSU's Mthatha campus following a protest over the release of a murder suspect. Image: Facebook Three students from Walter Sisulu University (WSU) were arrested on Wednesday after a protest over the court-ordered release of a residence manager accused of murder. The protest turned violent at the institution's Mthatha main campus after news emerged residence manager Manelisi Mampane was granted a R10,000 bail by the Mthatha Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. Mampane is accused of fatally shooting student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a protest in April this year. Videos circulating on social media showed some students throwing stones at police officers who responded to the scene. IOL News previously reported that Mampane is facing charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder after two other students were also injured in the incident. Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the arrests and acknowledged the deep frustration in the university community following the court's decision. 'We recognise the profound distress this case has caused within the university community,' Gantana said. 'SAPS affirms the constitutional right to peaceful protest under Section 17 but emphasises our mandate to ensure public safety, protect infrastructure, and uphold the rule of law without interfering in judicial independence.' Gantana said the court determined Mampane's release under standard legal procedures, and that police have no authority over judicial decisions. She added that the murder investigation remains active, prioritised, and ongoing in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). She condemned acts of vandalism, arson, intimidation, and road blockades during the protest. 'Such criminal conduct diverts critical resources from the investigation and undermines the pursuit of justice,' she said. 'Public order units remain deployed to facilitate peaceful dissent while safeguarding lives and property.' She said the three students are expected to face charges of public violence, damage to infrastructure, and damage to property. Police confiscated wheelbarrows and sponge mattresses used by protesters. Meanwhile, education activist Hendrick Makaneta also condemned the violent nature of the protest. 'These acts are not only unlawful but dangerously irresponsible,' Makaneta said. 'They put innocent lives at risk and disrupt the daily lives and livelihoods of ordinary South Africans.'
