By Zukile Majova
Political Editor
At least three of the five people arrested for murder and attempted murder at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape have strong links with the institution.
The police said a team of investigators are working with the university to probe the murder of the driver and close protector of Fort Hare University Vice Chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.
Mboneni Vesele, the bodyguard was shot and killed while inside the Professor’s vehicle in February 2023.
“The scope of the investigative team also included the murder of the Institutions fleet manager, Petrus Roets, who was fatally shot in March last year. The attempted assassinations of other University staff members have also been investigated by the team,” said police ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba.
The five men accused of these crimes appeared at the Alice Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Police Minister Bheki Cele, who attended the court appearance with National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, said police arrested the five men over the long weekend.
During their first appearance, the men were charged with murder, attempted murder, and fraud and corruption.
Two of the accused are also facing additional charges related to the possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Vice Chancellor Professor Buhlungu, who sought the intervention of the president when the crimes were committed, said he was disappointed to learn that some of the accused were trusted employees of the university.
“It’s no secret that Mr Bongani Peter (one of the accused) was the fleet office at Fort Hare. He is on suspension for corruption and also held for both murders.
“He works for the university.
“And for us it is a shame that one of our own who get paid by the university, who has a job who has responsibilities, not only has he been stealing, siphoning money from the fleet department but also he has been planning to murder,” said the vice chancellor.
One of the accused is a former SRC member; turned businessman who is a service provider to the University, the police said.
The third accused with links to the university retired four years ago but was re-employed by Peter as a part-time driver for the vice chancellor.
The accused are due back in court on the 4th of May to apply for bail.
Pictured above: Five suspects appear at Alice Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday
Image source: @LirandzuThemba
