SAPS
A student from Walter Sisulu University made a brief appearance in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in connection with the torching of a police vehicle during a student protest this week.
Mfuneko Mankengana, 24, was charged with two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, public violence, malicious damage to property, and damage to essential infrastructure.
At least four police members were injured and one hospitalised after a police Nyala was set alight during a violent protest by students at WSU’s Mthatha campus on Monday.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said the state is expected to oppose his bail application when the matter is heard next Wednesday.
“The student is alleged to have been part of a group of student protesters who attacked members of the SAPS and burnt an amoured police vehicle, Nyala, with two police officers inside,” he said.
Tyali said during Mankengana's brief court appearance, the prosecutor applied for a postponement in order to do profiling and verification of his address.
All Walter Sisulu University campuses remain closed as a result of the ongoing protest.
Buffalo City Mayor, Xola Pakati, also condemned the actions of WSU students who he said caused chaos in the CBD on Wednesday, stoning cars and damaging infrastructure.
WSU spokesperson, Yonela Tukwayo, said it was against University policy to reveal details of students when pressed for more information on Mankengana.
