Court hears man charged with Sisonke Mbolekwa's murder was not under threat

MTHATHA - The Mthatha Magistrates Court has heard how the man charged with the murder of Walter Sisulu University student, Sisonke Mbolekwa, was not under threat when he discharged his firearm.

Manelisi Mampane, a residence manager at the institution, is charged with the murder and attempted murder of another.

READ: Man accused of Sisonke Mbolekwa's murder claims his actions justified when he fired on protesting WSU students

He is also charged with the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

In his testimony, Mampane admitted to having discharged the firearm during the protest on campus.

He said he was under threat and was intending to fire warning shots to disperse the protesters.

But the State said he lied under oath because the students were retreating, and the postmortem results showed that Mbolekwa was shot in the back, and the bullet exited through his abdomen.

The matter continues, with investigating officer, Colonel Mandla Miya, set to take the stand in the case.