FridayOL

Mthatha, South Africa – Walter Sisulu University's Mthatha campus has been rocked by renewed protests following a court's decision to grant bail to Manelisi Mampane, the man accused of fatally shooting a student during a previous demonstration. The atmosphere on campus is charged with anger and frustration as students and parents demand justice for the deceased.

The shooting occurred during a protest over academic registration issues. Tensions escalated, leading to the tragic loss of a young life. Mampane's subsequent arrest brought a temporary sense of relief to the student body, but the recent bail decision has reignited the flames of outrage.

“(Manelisi) Mampane should have stayed in jail for the rest of his life because the child that he killed will not come back,” declared a visibly emotional student, echoing the sentiments of many on campus. The student’s words encapsulate the profound grief and sense of injustice felt by the community.

Parents of students are also deeply concerned. They fear for their children's safety and believe that granting bail to the accused sends a dangerous message – that violence against students will not be met with serious consequences. Many are questioning the fairness of the justice system and its ability to protect vulnerable members of society.

The university has responded by increasing security measures on campus and engaging in dialogue with student leaders to try and de-escalate the situation. However, students maintain that these measures are insufficient and that the focus should be on ensuring Mampane remains behind bars pending trial. The university is also working with legal representatives to monitor the case closely and advocate for a fair and just outcome.

The protests have disrupted classes and academic activities, but students remain resolute in their demands. They are calling for a swift and decisive prosecution of Mampane, as well as a review of the university's security protocols to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by higher education institutions in South Africa, where student protests and demands for better access and quality education are often met with resistance and, tragically, sometimes violence.

This case has far-reaching implications, not only for Walter Sisulu University but for the broader South African education sector. It underscores the urgent need for improved communication between students, university management, and law enforcement agencies, as well as a commitment to addressing the root causes of student unrest. The pursuit of justice for the deceased student is paramount, and the university community is united in its determination to see that justice is served.

The bail hearing has been met with widespread condemnation from student organizations and civil society groups, who are calling for a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. They argue that the decision to grant bail undermines the principles of accountability and the rule of law.