WSU residence manager accused of murder to apply for bail

JOHANNESBURG - The Walter Sisulu University employee accused of killing a young man, Sisonke Mbolekwa, is expected to apply for bail in the Mthatha Magistrates Court.

Manelisi Mampane, a residence manager at the institution's main campus in Mthatha, is charged with the murder of Mbolekwa and the attempted murder of another student.

The accused made his first court appearance a week ago. 

Last month, the students were shot on campus during demonstrations over accommodation issues, among others. 

ALSO READ: WSU students want accused who shot Sisonke Mbolekwa to be denied bail

During his first court appearance last month, the murder-accused Mampane indicated that he would apply for bail in the matter on Friday.

When asked how much he would afford to pay if granted bail, he told the court that he could pay any amount. 

This is something the family of Mbolekwa found questionable. 

The family’s spokesperson, Ncedo Kolanisi, explained: "So, if the bail is set at R900,000, it means that he can afford to pay that bail, it means he is living way above his means. This is a mere residence manager, and now it makes us very suspicious as to who is funding him."  

Mbolekwa was laid to rest this past weekend in his hometown of Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. 

Thousands of students are expected to protest outside the court, demanding justice for Sisonke.