The man accused of fatally shooting Walter Sisulu University (WSU) student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a campus protest returned to the Mthatha Magistrates’ Court today for the third day of his bail application.
The accused, whose name has not been disclosed, claims through his lawyer that he did not intend to harm students, insisting he fired “warning shots” and disputes that the bullets struck the victims came from his firearm. He alleges hearing additional gunshots from outside the scene.
The court heard that the unlicensed gun belonged to his late father and that he took it from his home on his mother’s instructions over theft concerns. Prosecutors challenged his bail request, citing an unverified residential address, which they argue complicates monitoring if released.
Mbolekwa’s death and the injury of two other students weeks ago sparked outrage. The case continues as the state cross-examines the accused.
