WSU residence manager granted bail in murder case
A Walter Sisulu University (WSU) residence manager accused of murder was granted bail of R10 000 in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Manelisi Mampane was arrested following the fatal shooting of 24-year-old student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a protest on the university’s Mthatha campus in April.
The fifty-four-year-old is facing charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder after two more students were injured during the protest.
Although the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opposed his release, the court granted the murder suspect bail.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said they respect the court's decision and will now focus on presenting a strong case at trial.
The protest that led to Mbolekwa’s death was reportedly sparked by a prior incident involving another student, Sethu Ndamase.
The second-year-old medical student was shot and disabled by security commander Basil Knock during a protest she was not part of.
That incident allegedly sparked outrage among students and ignited the second protest, where Mbolekwa was killed.
Reports allege the university has since established an independent commission of inquiry to probe the events.
Meanwhile, Mampane's case is expected to go to trial later this year.
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