Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
By Mpho Moloi
The bail application of Manelisi Mampana, a 54-year-old residence manager at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), has been postponed to May 2, 2025. Mampana appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, April 22, following his surrender to police last week Thursday after the fatal shooting of Sisonke Mbolekwa, a 24-year-old student and campus activist. The incident occurred during a violent protest over poor and unsafe living conditions at the university’s residences. Mampana remains in custody, facing serious charges, as WSU students gathered outside the court in the rain, demanding he be denied bail and permanently removed from campus.
What Happened?
The tragic event took place on April 15, 2025, at WSU’s Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha. Students, frustrated by ongoing issues like cold water, broken facilities, and unsafe living conditions, staged a protest. Sisonke Mbolekwa, a third-year student known for his activism, was among the group that confronted Mampana at his on-campus home. The situation escalated, with reports of students setting Mampana’s car alight and injuring his wife. In response, Mampana allegedly opened fire, killing Mbolekwa and wounding two others. He handed himself over to police on April 17, sparking widespread anger among students.
Charges Against Mampana
Mampana faces four charges, as confirmed by National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali:
- Murder: For the death of Sisonke Mbolekwa.
- Attempted Murder: Related to the injuries of two other students.
- Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm: Raising questions about how he obtained the weapon.
- Possession of Ammunition: Further complicating his legal situation.
The NPA has indicated that the investigation continues, and additional evidence could lead to more charges.
Students Demand Justice
On Tuesday, hundreds of WSU students marched to the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court, braving heavy rain to voice their outrage. They carried signs reading “No Bail!” and “Justice for Sisonke,” reflecting their determination to see Mampana held accountable. Student leaders highlighted that complaints about Mampana’s conduct—described as aggressive and neglectful—had been raised with WSU management for years but were ignored. “We’ve been begging for help, but no one listened. Now Sisonke is dead,” said one student protester. The crowd also called for Mampana’s permanent removal from campus, arguing that his presence threatens their safety.
Why Was the Bail Application Postponed?
The court postponed Mampana’s bail application to May 2 to allow the state more time to prepare its case. While Mampana intends to apply for bail, students and Mbolekwa’s family strongly oppose this, fearing he could tamper with witnesses or abscond. For now, he remains behind bars, a decision that has brought temporary relief to protesters who remain vigilant about the outcome.
University Under Pressure
The shooting has put WSU in the spotlight. The university has suspended Mampana and launched an internal investigation, while an independent inquiry led by retired Justice Chris Jafta will examine the incident. WSU has also promised to address the residence conditions that sparked the protest, such as installing basic appliances in self-catering units. However, students remain skeptical, pointing to years of neglect that they believe contributed to this tragedy.
A Wider Issue
Sisonke Mbolekwa’s death is a stark reminder of the challenges facing South African universities. Student protests over fees, accommodation, and safety are common, often turning violent. The South African Human Rights Commission reported over 100 such protests in 2023 alone, urging better dialogue between students and management. At WSU, the focus is now on justice for Mbolekwa and ensuring such an incident never happens again.
As the May 2 court date approaches, the WSU community waits for answers—and for change.
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