Staff Reporter.
The Dikeni, formerly Alice, Magistrate’s Court has provisionally postponed the University of Fort Hare murder and attempted murder case to 13 December pending the finalisation of the bail application.
Ten people are charged with the murder of UFC vice-chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu’s bodyguard Mbonele Vesele and the university’s fleet manager, Petrus Roets, were killed earlier this year.
The deaths came after Buhlungu discovered deals of maladministration, corruption, and fraud at the university.
The suspects face charges of murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, reckless discharge of a firearm, fraud, and kidnapping.
The court previously heard that there was a hit list containing the names of sixteen senior officials at the university.
Buhlungu is alleged to have had a R5 million reward next to his name.
Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the case was postponed pending the finalisation of the bail applications by some of the accused.
“The case against ten people charged in relation to the murders and attempted murders at the University of Fort Hare has provisionally postponed to 13 December 2023, pending the finalisation of the bail application of six of the accused people.”
“The bail applications that is opposed by the state is scheduled for the 27 November as well as 30 November and 01 December at the Dimbaza Magistrate’s Court.”
A police investigation led to the arrest of the 10, who played different roles ranging from soliciting hitmen from KwaZulu-Natal, housing them, and transporting them to the scenes of the crimes.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.