MTHATHA — The abaThembu royal house has declared its intention to challenge the South African judicial system following the controversial granting of bail to a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) staff member accused of murdering a student.
Manelisi Mampane, who stands accused of killing WSU student Sisonke Mbolekwa, was granted bail of R10,000 on Tuesday — a move that has ignited widespread outrage and protests on campus.
The unrest, which began immediately after the court ruling, escalated into violent demonstrations led by angry students demanding justice for their slain peer. Academic activities have since come to a standstill at WSU’s Mthatha campus, just days before final examinations were scheduled to begin.
Amid the mounting tension, abaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo made an unambiguous stand against the court’s decision. Appearing alongside students and the grieving Mbolekwa family during Wednesday’s protest, the monarch fiercely criticised the legal process.
“Mntanomhle, we are tired of judges that are bribed and taking abnormal decisions — corrupt decisions,” said King Dalindyebo, visibly emotional. “This time around, we will not respect that stupid court of law. I am the court of first instance in this land.”
The king’s comments come after a visibly devastated Mbolekwa’s mother joined student protesters, overcome with grief. She was comforted by the abaThembu monarch, whose vocal support has added fuel to a growing movement seeking justice.
King Dalindyebo vowed to take the matter further.
“I am going to the judge president — that’s my intervention,” he said, promising to explore all avenues to have Mampane’s bail revoked.
Calls for Justice Amid Rising Tensions
Police have since arrested three students in connection with the unrest and have called for calm as tensions continue to rise. However, WSU students remain resolute in their demands, pledging to continue protests until the bail decision is overturned and justice is served.
“This is not just about Sisonke — this is about every student’s right to safety and dignity,” one protester told reporters.
The murder of Sisonke Mbolekwa has shaken the WSU community. Details surrounding the case have not been fully disclosed, but the incident has reignited national debates around gender-based violence, university safety, and perceived failures within the justice system.
As the institution grapples with the fallout, it remains uncertain when academic operations will resume.
The abaThembu kingdom’s intervention — rare in contemporary judicial matters — underscores the depth of public frustration and the growing demand for accountability within the legal system. Whether this royal challenge will influence the courts remains to be seen.