Tensions flared at Walter Sisulu University’s Nelson Mandela Drive campus on Wednesday as students reignited protests, blocking the N2 highway with burning tyres and rocks in response to a controversial court ruling.
The unrest follows the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court decision on Tuesday to grant R10,000 bail to residence manager Manelisi Mampane. He stands accused of fatally shooting student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a protest in April. Mampane is facing charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder after two other students were injured during the same incident.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana confirmed to SABC News that violence erupted during attempts to disperse the crowd.
“One police officer sustained a head injury after being struck with a stone during the crossfire,” Gantana said. “Petrol bombs and rocks were hurled at police vehicles, prompting officers to respond with rubber bullets and stun grenades.”
According to Gantana, some students used sponge mattresses as makeshift shields against the police's crowd-control measures. She condemned the students' actions, citing incidents of vandalism and arson.
Three students have since been arrested and are expected to face charges of public violence, malicious damage to property, and destruction of state infrastructure.
Authorities remain on high alert as the situation continues to unfold.
This is a developing story.