Eastern Cape Police have arrested several protesters in Mthatha following renewed demonstrations at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) after a residence manager accused of murder was granted bail.
Students took to the streets today in outrage after Manelisi Mampane, who faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, was released on R10,000 bail yesterday. Mampane allegedly opened fire during a student protest in April, killing Sisonke Mbolekwa.
The decision to grant bail has sparked fury among students, who accuse the justice system of failing vulnerable groups.
Condemnation of Campus “Militarization”
Nhlonipho Nxumalo, a National Executive Committee (NEC) member of the South African Union of Students (SAUS), criticized the “militarization” of campuses, arguing that armed security and police presence escalate tensions.
“The justice system keeps failing the most vulnerable—women, children, and students,” Nxumalo said in a live interview. “We do not want campuses to be militarized. The same issue led to Sisonke’s death, and if this continues, we will see more lives lost.”
Nxumalo emphasized that while SAUS condemns violence and property destruction, students are often met with excessive force when protesting legitimate grievances, such as poor living conditions in university residences.
Calls for Systemic Change
The protests initially stemmed from student complaints about substandard residence conditions. However, the focus has now shifted to broader concerns about institutional accountability and police conduct.
Nxumalo called on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Department of Higher Education to address student housing issues and prevent further tragedies.
“We cannot continue business as usual when a student has died,” he said. “If these issues are not resolved, we will see the same protests year after year.”
University and Government Response
As of now, WSU has not issued an official statement regarding the protests. Meanwhile, the government has condemned violence and property damage, urging students to protest peacefully.
Nxumalo acknowledged that while the university has no control over the court’s bail decision, students are using protests to voice their frustrations with systemic failures.
Ongoing Tensions
With academic programs disrupted and police maintaining a heavy presence, tensions remain high. Students fear further clashes if their demands for safer, better-resourced campuses are ignored.
As the situation develops, stakeholders are calling for dialogue to prevent further violence while addressing the underlying issues that continue to fuel student unrest.
