Mthatha Magistrates Court postpones case of student killed at WSU

MTHATHA - The Mthatha Magistrates Court has postponed the murder case of a young man killed at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) to next month.

Sisonke Mbolekwa was shot and killed on campus last week during student protests, allegedly by a residence manager at the institution.

The suspected employee Manelisi Mampane made his first court appearance at the local Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon, where he faces charges including murder, attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

ALSO READ: WSU students want accused who shot Sisonke Mbolekwa to be denied bail

The court says due to the sensitivity of the matter members of the media have been prohibited from recording proceedings.

Several media houses have brought an application to broadcast the proceedings, in this case, arguing it has an overwhelming public interest.

And while the State in the case had no problem with the media covering the proceedings, the defence lawyer in the matter opposed the application, saying the matter is a domestic case.

Mampane is a residence manager at the institution where Mbolekwa was killed.

His charges were read out to him in court, and he stated his intention to apply for bail.

MBOLEKWA'S FAMILY SHARES AUTOPSY

Mbolekwa’s family says an autopsy report has revealed he was shot while running.

Family spokesperson Ncedo Kolanisi has outlined the autopsy findings. 

“The findings of the autopsy report were that the bullet hit the back through the tarsal, so it simply tells you that Sisonke Mbolekwa was retreating when he got shot.” 

He has accused the suspect in the case of ill intension. 

“So, this individual be that as it may as you heard the charges that are laid against him that it is an unlicensed firearm, his behaviour as well shows that he is not trained to handle a firearm - so he shot at the students whilst they were retreating.”

The matter has now been postponed to 2 May 2025 for a formal bail application.