Uncategorized
By Johnathan Paoli
Five students from the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) have been granted bail as the Mthatha campus continues to reel from the fallout of violent protests triggered by the bail decision involving university staff member Manelisi Mampane.
The residence manager stands accused of fatally shooting student Sisonke Mbolekwa and injuring two others during campus unrest in April.
Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC) Student Representative Council member Sakhumzi Khambula welcomed the release of the students, but made it clear that their fight for justice was far from over.
“From the first place they were not supposed to be appearing in front of court… these people are practicing their own right to protest. But regardless of anything that has happened before, finally we are happy that our brothers were able to be free again,” Khambula said.
He vowed that protests would continue in pursuit of what he described as “true justice”.
“We will continue demonstrating until the state sees how we feel… We are not happy. We have appealed that this court judgment be reviewed,” Khambula added.
The students appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on charges of public violence, arson, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
They were R50 bail each under the condition that they may not participate in further acts of violence, may not barricade the N2 highway or burn tires, and may not interfere with witnesses.
Despite the temporary calm on campus, student leaders have made it clear that their fight is far from over.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that public order policing units would remain deployed at the university’s Nelson Mandela Drive campus.
“We are still stationed here to ensure that we maintain law and order and that the students do not go onto the N2,” she said.
She also confirmed that the four police officers injured during the protests were recovering at home after being treated and discharged.
The protests erupted after the court granted Mampane R10,000 bail on Tuesday, a decision that sparked outrage from students and local traditional leadership, including AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, who publicly condemned the ruling.
“We are sick and tired of judges that are bribed and taking abnormal, corrupt decisions. This time around, we will not respect that stupid court of law. It’s not a violent protest, it’s a violent judgment,” he said while addressing students.
The king has vowed to intervene by taking the matter to the Judge President, signalling the seriousness with which traditional leaders view the court’s ruling and the wider implications for student safety and justice.
EFFYC provincial convenor Piaba Madokwe echoed these sentiments, expressing fear and frustration over Mampane’s release.
“He will have access to our details. He is a residence manager. He will know where we live. As we are sitting here right now, the investigating officer does not know where this person is. That sets a dangerous precedent,” she said.
Madokwe alleged that the university was offering institutional protection to Mampane, pointing to a letter from the Vice-Chancellor supporting the accused, as well as the provision of a safe house with an undisclosed address.
Meanwhile, academic activities at WSU remain suspended, with disruptions now impacting preparations for upcoming examinations.
Students from other provinces and rural areas have expressed deep concern over the loss of teaching time, with some regretting their decision to study at the institution.
Despite efforts to restore calm the situation remains volatile.
Government has strongly condemned the violence, with the chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie, warning that emotional frustration must not override respect for the rule of law.
“Resorting to violent protests and damaging property is not the answer. We are hopeful that justice will be served, but we must channel our emotions constructively,” Letsie said in a statement.
He called on WSU’s SRC to provide leadership, de-escalate tensions and help protect university infrastructure.
The case against the students has been postponed to 26 August for further investigation, which will include witness testimonies and medical reports related to the injuries sustained by the police officers.
INSIDE EDUCATION