Latest news with #SisonkeMbolekwa
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- General
- Eyewitness News
AbaThembu king to challenge bail of murder-accused WSU staff member
DURBAN - The abaThembu kingdom said it would confront the judicial system to challenge the bail of a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) staff member. Manelisi Mampane, accused of killing university student Sisonke Mbolekwa, was granted R10,000 bail on Tuesday. This sparked violent demonstrations at the university, with students calling for his bail to be revoked. ALSO READ: - WSU students vow to continue demanding justice for slain peer Sisonke Mbolekwa - Police call for calm as WSU students protest after the release of Manelisi Mampane - 3 students arrested after student protest at WSU's Mthatha campus Angered by this, abaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has vowed that he will tackle the matter. The emotional mother of Mbolekwa joined the student protest on Wednesday against the court's decision to grant Mampane bail. The mother, who couldn't contain her tears, was seen comforted by the abaThembu king. "Mntanomhle, we are tired of judges that are bribed and taking abnormal decisions, corrupt decisions. This time around, we will not respect that stupid court of law. I am the court of first instance in this land." The king also vowed that he would take all necessary steps to oppose the bail. "I am going to the judge president - that's my intervention." Academic activities at the institution have been halted since the decision, just days before examinations get underway.
The Herald
2 days ago
- General
- The Herald
Four Walter Sisulu University students arrested amid retaliatory protest
Eastern Cape police have confirmed that four students from Walter Sisulu University (WSU) have been arrested after protests relating to the bail granted to Manelisi Mampana. The Mthatha magistrate's court on Tuesday granted Mampana R10,000 bail with strict conditions. He is accused of murder, attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition after he allegedly shot WSU student Sisonke Mbolekwa in April during a protest. The police acknowledge the ongoing student protests at WSU's Mthatha campus concerning the court-ordered release of a murder suspect linked to the death of Sisonke Mbolekwa. Police spokesperson Brig Nobuntu Gantana said they condemned the acts of vandalism, arson, road blockades and intimidation by the students. 'We recognise the profound distress this case has caused in the university community. The suspect's release was directed by the court under standard legal procedures. SAPS has no authority over judicial decisions. The murder investigation remains active, prioritised and ongoing. We continue to collaborate closely with the National Prosecuting Authority to pursue justice through legal channels,' said Gantana.
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- General
- Eyewitness News
EFF Youth Command calls on NPA to appeal brail granted to WSU official accused of murder
DURBAN - The Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC) has called on the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) to appeal bail granted to a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) official linked to the murder of student Sisonke Mbolekwa. Manelisi Mampane, who was charged with the murder of Mbolekwa and the attempted murder of two others, was granted R10,000 bail by the Mthatha Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The decision has sparked disruptive student protests that have led to the arrests of three students. ALSO READ: Police call for calm as WSU students protest after the release of Manelisi Mampane The EFF's youth wing at the institution says the judgement is concerning given the amount of evidence in the matter. The EFF Youth Command says it's alarmed by the Mthatha Magistrates Court decision to grant bail to Manelisi Mampane. Mampane was charged for allegedly shooting and killing student Sisonke Mbolekwa and injuring other students during a protest in April. The red berets believe the accused is a threat to students and may interfere with the case as he will have access to electronic communication and the institution's database. The youth command's national coordinator, Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose, is calling on the NPA to challenge the decision, citing the safety of witnesses. She's added that the presiding magistrate must give a full account of how he decided to grant Mampane bail.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
EFF Youth Command slams court for granting Walter Sisulu University employee bail
The EFF Youth Command (EFFYC) has lambasted the Mthatha magistrate's court's decision to grant bail to Manelisi Mampana, the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) staff member accused of killing 24-year-old student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a student protest in April. Mampana, the acting residence manager at WSU, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. He was released on R10,000 bail on Tuesday. This has caused anger among students, the victims' families and the public. The EFFYC described the court's decision as a betrayal of justice and a demonstration of how the legal system 'remains sensitive to criminals while neglectful to the aspirations of victims. 'That such a person is now permitted to return to society, even temporarily, undermines the seriousness of these charges and sends a disturbing message about the value placed on students' lives.'
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- General
- Eyewitness News
Police call for calm as WSU students protest after the release of Manelisi Mampane
DURBAN - Police have called for calm at the Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape, following another student protest. The protest comes after the release of the institution's residence manager, Manelisi Mampane. He was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a student, Sisonke Mbolekwa, back in April. On Wednesday, he was granted bail of R10,000. ALSO READ: Police deployed to WSU's Mthatha campus as students protest murder-accused residence manager being granted bail Police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana said: 'The acting provincial commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, has appealed for calm as we patiently allow legal processes to unfold. She further encouraged those who are aggrieved to channel grievances through lawful avenues." She also urged students not to resort to violence. 'And appeals to the students to honour the victim's memory through constructive, non-violent means."
