Fresh student protest erupts at WSU Mthatha Campus amid residence manager freed on R10,000 bail

by Mathipa Phishego

At Walter Sisulu University (WSU)’s Mthatha campus, a fresh round of student protests has broken out after residence manager Manelisi Mampane was released on bail. Mampane is accused of murder and attempted murder in relation to the shooting death of student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a protest in April.
Students and the surrounding community are furious about the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court’s decision to award Mampane R10,000 bail on Tuesday. Using chants like “No Bail!” and “Justice for Sisonke,” demonstrators gathered outside the court to call for Mampane to be held in custody until his trial.

Students taking it to the streets at Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha Campus. Outcrying the Mthata Magistrate’s court decision to release Residence Manager, Manelisi Mampane on bail.
Image: East Griqualnd Post

The demonstrations have caused disturbances on campus and prompted demands that the university take more severe measures against Mampane, who has been placed on leave while the case is being handled.  Additionally, students have urged for better security measures and voiced concerns about the safety of campus inhabitants.

https://x.com/Newzroom405/status/1930188398846791905
Numerous parties have taken notice of the issue, including political figures, university representatives, and student organizations, all of which are demanding an impartial and open legal system.  As the judicial proceedings continues, further protests are anticipated, and the situation is still tense.

The WSU community and the general public are waiting for further information on this matter as the judicial proceedings progress. Three students have been taken into custody by the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Mthatha, and they will face charges related to property and infrastructure damage.