By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students have embarked on demonstrations over bail being granted to a residence manager Manelisi Mampane accused of murder of a student at the unviversity.
Mampane was arrested following the fatal shooting of student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a protest 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.
He was granted bail of R10 000 in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Although the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opposed his release, the court granted the murder suspect bail.
Magistrate Sibusiso Xolo handed down the decision after hearing arguments from both the state and the defence.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said they respect the court’s decision and will now focus on presenting a strong case at trial.
SA Police Services (SAPS) have since been deployed to the Mthatha campus of the WSU on Wednesday morning.
The students have barricaded the road with burning tyres, preventing access to the campus, which resulted in a confrontation between students and police as they are trying to disperse them with rubber bullets.
Fullview understands that the police have arrested three WSU students.
Police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana says one police official was injured in a crossfire with students.
“We do condemn the reported acts of vandalism and arson that have been conducted by the students this morning.
“Right now, three students have been arrested and they will be charged with public violence, damage to infrastructure and damage to state property.
“One police official was injured on the head. He was hit by a stone on the head. During the crossfire with students, petrol bombs were thrown towards police vehicles, and rocks were thrown towards officials.
“Police retaliated with rubber bullets and stun grenades, which students shielded themselves with sponge mattresses,” Gantana added.
Mampana was placed on precautionary suspension by the WSU’s council, while an investigation into whether the manager is guilty of misconduct continues.
The council also resolved to establish a commission of inquiry into the events that took place at the Mthatha campus.
Retired Constitutional Court Judge Chris Jafta will chair the inquiry, with advocate Bayethe Maswazi acting as evidence leader.
The commission’s mandate is to investigate and make recommendations on the circumstances surrounding the shooting on 15 April.