Calls for NPA to drop charges against five WSU students
Civil society organisation Forum for South Africa has called on the National Prosecuting Authority to drop charges against five students from Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape.
The group was arrested last week during a tense standoff between police and disgruntled students over their participation in a protest, following the release on bail of a university official accused of murder.
Manelisi Mampane allegedly shot and killed Sisonke Mbolekwa in April during a separate protest over deplorable student accommodation.
Mampane is facing charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder after allegedly injuring two other students in the same incident.
Following last Tuesday's bail ruling, tensions flared again on Wednesday, last week, with students taking to the streets in outrage.
Protesters blockaded the N2 highway, clashed with police, and retaliated with stones and petrol bombs. Police responded with rubber bullets and have since confirmed the arrest of four students.
The five students arrested at WSU's Nelson Mandela Drive campus have since appeared in court, facing multiple charges including arson, public violence, malicious damage to property, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
National leader of FOSA, Tebogo Mashilompane, said the students shouldn’t be punished for raising valid concerns.
"It is worrying that before action can be taken, students must take it upon themselves by demonstrating, and in return, some end up dropping out, due to being arrested.
"The other thing is that if charges are not dropped, the students will have a criminal record. We believe this is unnecessary because it will affect the future of the students in a negative way.
"FOSA calls on NPA to drop the charges against the students because the cause for the demonstration is a result of the failure by the university."
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