Police respond to new WSU student protest
Three WSU students were arrested during Wednesday's protest and face charges of public violence, damage to infrastructure, and damage to property.
Fresh student demonstrations erupted at Walter Sisulu University's Mthatha campus on Wednesday morning, prompting police deployment and the closure of the N2 highway.
Students protested the bail release of a residence manager accused of murdering a fellow student.
The protests began in the early hours of Wednesday, at approximately 5 am, with students burning tyres and blocking the main N2 road between Durban and the town centre.
Police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, who shielded themselves with cardboard and foam materials while wearing balaclavas to avoid identification.
Two police officers have reportedly been injured during a confrontation with the protesting students.
Background to the new WSU protest
The demonstrations stem from Tuesday's court decision to release Manelisi Mampane, a 54-year-old residence manager, on R10 000 bail.
Mampane faces charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder following the fatal shooting of 24-year-old student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a campus protest in April.
The original April protest involved students demonstrating over poor residence conditions and maintenance issues.
During that demonstration, Mbolekwa was allegedly shot and killed by the residence manager, while other students sustained injuries.
Police response to WSU unrest and the suspect's release
The South African Police Service (Saps) on Wednesday morning distanced itself from the judicial decision to release Mampane, while acknowledging the community's distress.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana emphasised that the bail decision was beyond police authority.
'Saps acknowledges the ongoing student protests at the Walter Sisulu University at Mthatha campus, concerning the court-ordered release of a murder suspect linked to the death of Sisonke Mbolekwa,' Gantana said.
'We recognise the profound distress this case has caused within the university community.'
Gantana reinforced constitutional rights while emphasising legal boundaries: 'Saps affirms the constitutional right to peaceful protest (Section 17) but emphasises its mandate to ensure public safety, protect infrastructure, and uphold the rule of law without interfering in judicial independence.'
Gantana explained that the suspect's release was directed by the court under standard legal procedures.
'Saps has no authority over judicial decisions,' she stated.
ALSO READ: Walter Sisulu University murder case: Magistrate accused of bias after employee granted R10k bail
Ongoing investigation and arrests
Despite the bail release, police confirmed that their investigation remains active.
'The murder investigation remains active, prioritised, and ongoing. We continue to collaborate closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to pursue justice through legal channels,' Gantana indicated.
Three students were arrested during Wednesday's protest and face charges of public violence, damage to infrastructure, and damage to property.
Police condemned the violent aspects of the demonstration, stating: 'We condemn reported acts of vandalism, arson, road blockades, or intimidation. Such criminal conduct diverts critical resources from the investigation and undermines the pursuit of justice.'
Provincial leadership appeals for calm
Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso made a direct appeal to the student community.
'We appeal for calm as we patiently allow legal processes to unfold. We encourage those who are aggrieved to channel grievances through lawful avenues,' Kupiso stated.
The police leadership acknowledged the emotional aspect of the situation while calling for restraint.
'Emotional solidarity is understood, but unlawful actions jeopardise the justice we collectively seek. Saps remains unwavering in its commitment to solving this crime and securing accountability through due process,' Kupiso concluded.
READ MORE: Walter Sisulu University's protest shooting denial
Family's allegations and legal action
According to Newzroom Afrika, the victim's family expressed deep disappointment with Tuesday's bail decision, with their spokesperson alleging judicial bias.
The family reportedly believes the presiding magistrate showed favouritism during proceedings and plans to file a complaint with the Judicial Service Commission.
They also announced intentions to appeal the bail decision.
WSU protests impact on academic activities
The ongoing unrest has disrupted university operations, with academic activities reportedly halted for approximately six weeks due to the incidents surrounding Mampane's arrest and subsequent bail release.
Students who spoke to the media indicated their determination to continue the protests until justice is served.
The protests have also affected local traffic patterns, with the closure of the N2 highway forcing motorists to seek alternative routes through residential areas not typically used for heavy traffic flow.
Police officers have been directing traffic around the protest areas.
Police have appealed to students to honour Mbolekwa's memory through constructive, non-violent means while allowing the legal system to proceed through proper channels.
NOW READ: Boy shot dead in Westbury as 'gang members roam freely'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
11-year-old girl and her elder sibling shot near Hazyview
11-year-old girl and her elder sibling shot near Hazyview An 11-year-old girl and her sister, aged 21, are fighting for their lives in a hospital after they were shot while sleeping in a room. The incident happened in Hlangalezwe Trust near Hazyview today (Friday, June 20) at about 02:00. The elder victim was asleep next to her mother in the same bed, while the little girl and her brother were sleeping on the floor in the same room. ALSO READ: Suspect arrested after bloodshed in White River 'Suddenly gunshots were fired through the door from outside. Two bullets hit the elder sister on her upper body and one bullet hit the younger one on the lower body,' said Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Jabu Ndubane. 'After the gunshots were fired the victims heard footsteps of a person running away,' added Ndubane. The victims were rushed to hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention. The police have opened two cases of attempted murder. The police have asked anyone with information that may assist them in the investigation to contact the Calcutta SAPS branch commander, Captain Alfred Monareng, on 072 699 8769. Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously by calling the Crime Stop number 086001011, or via the MYSAPSApp. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: R27k found in WSU deputy VC's car
Here's your daily news update for Friday, 20 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes a large sum of money was discovered in the vehicle of a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) senior staff member who was fatally shot, while Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane raised alarm over the continued violence at the institution. Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has urged pupils to play a role in combating bullying by reporting incidents to the authorities. Furthermore, the KwaZulu-Natal department of transport is assembling a legal team to navigate the R6.5 billion lawsuit filed by Toyota insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance in the Durban High Court over the 2022 floods. Weather tomorrow: 21 June 2025 Saws warns of rough seas in parts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. Damaging winds are also expected in parts of the Eastern Cape, while areas in the Northern Cape face high fire danger conditions. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. R27k in cash found in Walter Sisulu University vice-chancellor's car after fatal shooting A large sum of money was discovered in the vehicle of a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) senior staff member who was fatally shot, while Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane raised alarm over the continued violence at the institution. WSU's deputy vice-chancellor for institutional support and development, Sinethemba Mpambane, was killed at the university's Mthatha campus on Thursday. Walter Sisulu University gate at Butterworth Campus in East London on 22 January 2020. Picture: Gallo Images / Sino Majangaza He was reportedly shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle near the entrance of the Nkululekweni facility. CONTINUE READING: R27k in cash found in Walter Sisulu University vice-chancellor's car after fatal shooting Does South Africa need a political party led by Floyd Shivambu? Launching a new political party may not be the best move for Floyd Shivambu, the former secretary-general of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, according to a political analyst. On Thursday, Shivambu told reporters that he plans to consult various sectors of society about forming a new political party. Former MK party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu. Picture: Nigel Sibanda This follows his public fallouts with the founder of the MK party, Jacob Zuma and his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. CONTINUE READING: Does South Africa need a political party led by Floyd Shivambu? Education MEC blames management of Pretoria school for pupil's stabbing Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has urged pupils to play a role in combating bullying by reporting incidents to the authorities. Chiloane was speaking on Friday morning at the Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong informal settlement in Donkerhoek, Pretoria, where Lethabo Mokonyane, 19, a Grade 11 pupil, was stabbed to death, allegedly by a Grade 12 pupil on Tuesday. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane speaks to pupils at the Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong informal settlement, Pretoria, on Friday after a Grade 11 student was stabbed earlier in the week. Picture: Supplied/Gauteng Education It is alleged that the Grade 12 pupil had not attended school that day but arrived after classes had ended, just as pupils were boarding their scholar transports. He then proceeded to stab Mokonyane just outside the schoolyard. CONTINUE READING: Education MEC blames management of Pretoria school for pupil's stabbing 'Engineered dysfunction': City of Tshwane disconnects its own water reservoir for non-payment The DA has accused the City of Tshwane of not having its house in order after it switched off power to its own reservoir as part of a campaign to collect outstanding debt. DA Tshwane Spokesperson for Finance Jacqui Uys said the DA was outraged after the city disconnected its own water reservoir due to non-payment of accounts. Picture: iStock 'On Wednesday, the city's credit control department, furnished with an official disconnection notice, cut power to the pump stations of one of its own reservoirs. City teams meant business as they proceeded to rip the breaker out of the Suiderberg Reservoir, to prevent power from being switched back,' she said. CONTINUE READING: 'Engineered dysfunction': City of Tshwane disconnects its own water reservoir for non-payment Sued for R6.5 billion by Toyota insurer, KZN transport builds legal team The KwaZulu-Natal department of transport is assembling a legal team to navigate the R6.5 billion lawsuit filed by Toyota insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance in the Durban High Court over the 2022 floods. The floods caused significant damage at the Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) vehicle assembly plant in Prospecton, Durban. Damage caused by the 2022 floods in Durban. Picture: X/Hein_The_Slayer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance is claiming that the damage caused by the floods was due to negligence of the infrastructure. For this, the insurer is suing KZN transport, eThekwini municipality and Transnet SOC Limited. CONTINUE READING: Sued for R6.5 billion by Toyota insurer, KZN transport builds legal team Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Shivambu sticks with MK | Idle Gauteng police vehicles | Malema banned in the UK
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- The Citizen
261 arrested in Tshwane crime crackdown
A total of 261 suspects have been arrested in a sweeping, high-impact crime-combating initiative led by police under the banner of Operation Shanela in the Tshwane District. The multidisciplinary operation, which focused on the Sinoville and Villieria policing precincts, was spearheaded by Tshwane District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine in collaboration with various law enforcement partners. The co-ordinated effort, executed on June 19, forms part of ongoing SAPS strategies to curb crime and enhance visibility in known hotspots. With intensified patrols, compliance inspections, and suspect tracing, law enforcement officers targeted criminal elements plaguing the northern parts of Tshwane. Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the operation yielded significant results. He said of the 261 suspects arrested, 187 were apprehended through detective work. These arrests include seven suspects for murder, three for attempted murder, nine for armed robbery, 30 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and six for rape. Van Dyk said road safety and immigration compliance were also in focus. A major roadblock, executed with support from tactical teams, led to the detention of 63 undocumented foreign nationals. The individuals are currently undergoing processing for possible court appearances and deportation. 'As part of proactive enforcement, 682 individuals and 306 vehicles were searched during the operation, with ownership of 14 vehicles verified. Officers also conducted patrols across 35 high-crime areas and premises, resulting in multiple arrests. 'One suspect was arrested for possession and dealing in dagga. Police recovered a shopping bag full of dagga, two compressed dagga balls, and 28 small bags of dagga, along with an undisclosed amount of cash,' said Van Dyk. He said another individual was taken into custody for possession of suspected stolen property. The suspect was found in possession of three TV sets, seven cellphones, two tablets, and two watches. He failed to provide a plausible explanation for the goods. Traffic law enforcement also formed a critical pillar of the operation. Tshwane traffic officers issued 160 AARTO infringement notices amounting to R72 600. Seven minibus taxis were impounded for various violations of the Road Traffic Act, and five pedestrians were fined for creating dangerous circumstances on the roads. Six premises were inspected, and two were shut down for failing to comply with the Liquor Act. Police confiscated over 127 litres of alcohol during the crackdown. Major-General Thine expressed appreciation for the dedication and co-operation of all SAPS members and stakeholders who participated in the operation. 'The collective efforts of our law enforcement family continue to bring tangible results in our fight against crime,' he said. ALSO READ: Collect your June SASSA grants from tomorrow Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
