Power outage delays Walter Sisulu University murder case

The bail application for the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) residence manager, who is accused of shooting and killing a student, has been delayed.

Manelisi Mampana made his second appearance in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The 54 year old is facing charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The charges are linked to the death of WSU student Sisonke Mbolekwa.

It is alleged that Mampana shot and killed Mbolekwa on 15 April during protests at WSU’s Mthatha campus.

Two other students, Ntando Gqetywa and Lizwa Ndzumo, were also injured in the incident.

Walter Sisulu University murder case postponed

On Friday, WSU students gathered outside the court demanding that Mampana, who was arrested on 17 April, be denied bail.

However, the hearing of the residence manager’s bail application had to be postponed due to a power outage in the court building.

The case is scheduled to return to court next week.

“The bail formal application did not proceed.

“The matter was postponed to 6 May 2025 due to the unavailability of electricity in the court building,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Eastern Cape spokesperson Luxolo Tyali told The Citizen on Friday.

Walter Sisulu University’s management

WSU Convocation executive (ConvEx) secretary general Misheck Mugabe raised concerns about the allegation that Mampana’s firearm was unlicensed.

“We are disappointed with the issue of unlicensed firearms in campuses.

“We want a gun-free campus. That is why we are here to pledge solidarity to the family of Sisonke. We were at the funeral. We are here again to support.

“Our intention is to have a campus where everyone is guaranteed of their safety.

“We want students, when they come to study, they go back as graduates. We don’t want them to go back in a coffin,” he told the media outside the court on Friday.

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Mugabe revealed that Mbolekwa, who was studying for a bachelor of education degree at the time of his death, would have graduated next year.

“It’s no longer possible because his life was cut short,” he said.

Mugabe also commented on the court’s decision to prohibit media coverage of the murder case.

Mbolekwa’s family has reportedly written to the court to request permission for media access.

“If you are innocent, you must not have anything to hide. We want the media to be allowed access to this case.

“The whole nation, the whole world want to see the transparency in this case. We want the truth to be out, so we want the media to be allowed.”

“Remember, these cases attracted public interest, but not everyone will be in the courtroom,” he added.

Internal investigation

Meanwhile, Mampana has been placed on precautionary suspension by the university’s council, while an investigation into whether the manager is guilty of misconduct continues.

The council also resolved last week to establish a commission of inquiry into the events that at Mthatha campus.

The inquiry will be chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Chris Jafta, with advocate Bayethe Maswazi acting as evidence leader.

READ MORE: Walter Sisulu University’s protest shooting denial

Zincedile Toya and Sizwe Nxasana will serve as the commission’s attorney and technical expert, respectively.

The commission’s mandate is to investigate and make recommendations on the circumstances surrounding the shooting on 15 April.

Additionally, the commission will also examine claims of a breakdown in student discipline and leadership at the Mthatha campus, the reasons behind it and whether university staff took proper steps to address student concerns and maintain safety and order on campus.

The commission has been given three months to submit a final report and recommendations to the WSU council.

An interim written report, containing preliminary findings and recommendations, is expected within one month of the commission’s appointment.

SAHRC inquiry

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has also initiated a formal inquiry into the lawfulness of the use of force by law enforcement and private security during student protests.

The SAHRC is in the process of finalising its report, which will include its findings and will be released in the coming months.

READ MORE: No excuse for student violence during campus protests