Lirandzu Themba Police Ministry
Five suspects arrested in connection with cases of murder and attempted murder at Fort Hare University made a brief appearance in the Magistrate's Court in Dikeni, formerly Alice, on Tuesday.
Their arrest was announced by the National Police Ministry over the weekend.
Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner, General Fanie Masemola, attended the proceedings, in the company of Fort Hare University vice-chancellor, Professor Sakhele Buhlungu.
The accused are: Sicelo Mbulawa, Bongani Peter, Wanini Khuza, Mthobisi Khanyile and Mthobisi Zondo/Dlamini.
Zondo/ Dlamini uses both surnames.
They are facing a string of charges including the murders of Petrus Roets who was gunned down on 19 May 2022 and Mboneli Vesele who was shot earlier this year.
WATCH | Minister Bheki #Cele speaking outside Alice Magistrates Court earlier today following the appearance of 5 suspects arrested in connection with cases of murder & attempted murder at Fort Hare University.
— AlgoaFMNews (@AlgoaFMNews) April 11, 2023
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Peter is facing six charges including the murders of Roets,Vesele and the attempted murder of the Fort Hare's Vice Chancellor, Sakhela Buhlungu, and three other high ranking officials.
He is also facing a charge of fraud and corruption.
Mbulawa and Khuza both face charges of fraud and corruption.
Khanyile and Zondo/Dlamini also face charges of fraud and corruption as well as unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition.
The court heard that one of the suspects is from KZN and will require an interpreter at the next court date, while two of the accused have previous convictions.
Speaking to the media after the court appearance, Professor Buhlungu, praised the work of the multi-disciplinary task team set up to investigate incidents of violence at Fort Hare.
He said more arrests are likely.
" I am also certain now that after this five, more [arrests] are going to come. It cannot be that [they] did not have aiders and abetters..."
Asked if the arrests were connected with the university, he said yes.
“Mr Bongani Peter, was the fleet officer of Fort Hare, he is suspension for corruption but he is being held for both murders.”
Buhlungu said it was is a shame that one of his staffers was involved.
“Not only has he been stealing [and] syphoning money from the fleet department, but also he has been planning the murder of someone,” Buhlungu added.
The matter was postponed to 4 May for a formal bail application.
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