Family of slain WSU student accuse court of incompetence after case postponed

DURBAN - The family of slain Walter Sisulu University student, Sisonke Mbolekwa, has accused the Mthatha Magistrates Court of incompetence following yet another postponement in the case.

On Friday, the university staff member, Manelisi Mampane, charged with the murder of Mbolekwa and attempted murder of another student, was due to apply for bail.

But proceedings had to be postponed due to a power outage at the court.

The Mbolekwa family has blamed the court management for this, saying this was delaying their closure.

READ: Mthatha Magistrates Court postpones case of student killed at WSU

When proceedings resumed on Friday, the State was ready to proceed with the bail hearing, with investigating officer, Colonel Mandla Miya, ready to testify.

But ongoing power outages at the courthouse brought proceedings to a halt.

The court has been without power for three days now, causing delays in many cases.

Mbolekwa family spokesperson Ncedo Kolanisi said: "We have an incompetent court. It is unprecedented that the prosecutor, investigative officer, magistrate and attorney are ready but the court is not ready with a simple issue of electricity, and these people have got a backup system."

The family, who travelled a long distance from Matatiele, said that they were looking forward to the bail hearing, but they now had to wait until next week Tuesday.

The magistrate apologised to the family, students and members of the media for the delays in the matter.