By Anita Dangazele
- Family says the postmortem confirms he was not confronting anyone when he was killed.
- The university council has launched an investigation but the family still plans to go to court.
Walter Sisulu student Sisonke Mbolekwa was running away when he was shot and killed during a student protest in April.
Postmortem results showed that the 22-year-old was shot in the back, according to family spokesperson Ncedo Kolanisi. He said this proves that Sisonke was not a threat when he died, and that he was trying to escape the chaos on campus.
Mbolekwa, a third-year Bachelor of Education student at Walter Sisulu University’s Mthatha campus, died during a protest over poor residence conditions.
The university at first denied that he was a registered student. But Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane later confirmed that he was enrolled.
Kolanisi said the family is deeply hurt by how the university handled the matter. They plan to take legal action and are demanding full accountability.
“As much as the family welcomes the commission of inquiry, that does not stop the family from pursuing legal avenues. A commission cannot compensate for the loss of life,” said Kolanisi.
The university’s council has since launched an independent commission of inquiry into the incident. It will be chaired by retired Constitutional Court justice Chris Jafta. The report is expected in three months.
Kolanisi said the family supports the inquiry, but only if it is open and transparent.
“This must not be a ploy to cover up what happened. It must be broadcast live on television so no stones are left unturned,” he said.
University residence manager Manelisi Mampana, 54, has appeared in court charged with Mbolekwa’s murder. He also faces two attempted murder charges for allegedly shooting and injuring two other students, Lizwa Sinoyolo Ndzumo and Ntando Gqetywa. He was also charged with possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the police investigation will continue and is not affected by the university’s internal inquiry.
A memorial service for Mbolekwa was held at the university on Thursday. He was described as a bright, committed student who was passionate about education and had dreams of becoming a teacher.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday in Masakala village, Matatiele.
Pictured above: Students gathered for Sisonke Mbolekwa’s memorial at Walter Sisulu University on Thursday.
Image source: Mbathane Xesibe Mkhuma
