Fort Hare

Five suspects arrested in connection with the murder and attempted murder incidents linked to the University of Fort Hare appear in court for the first time. Image: SAPS.

Former and current Fort Hare employees among five arrested for murder

‘One of the accused is a former SRC member; turned businessman who is a service provider to the University,’ said Bheki Cele’s spokesperson.

Fort Hare

Five suspects arrested in connection with the murder and attempted murder incidents linked to the University of Fort Hare appear in court for the first time. Image: SAPS.

Minister of Police Bheki Cele welcomed the first arrests in connection with the murder and attempted murder incidents linked to the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape. Five suspects first appeared in the Alice Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 11 April.

FIVE IN DOCK FOR FORT HARE KILLINGS

Mboneni Vesele, the driver and protector of university vice-chancellor Professor Sakhele Buhlungu, was killed earlier this year. He was shot dead while sitting in the vice-chancellor’s car.

“The scope of the investigative team also included the murder of the Institutions [sic] fleet manager, Petrus Roets, who was fatally shot in March last year, the attempted assassinations of other University staff members have also been investigated by the team,” said Cele’s spokesperson Lirandzu Themba.

The five suspects were arrested over the long weekend. Bongani Peter, Sicelo Mbulawa, Wanini Khuza, Mthobisi Khanyile and Mthobisi Dlamini-Zondo face charges including murder, attempted murder, fraud, and corruption. Two of the accused face additional charges of firearm and ammunition possession.

“One of the accused is a former SRC member; turned businessman who is a service provider to the University.”

Buhlungu welcomed the breakthrough in the case and said the university was disturbed that some of the accused are former and current employees of Fort Hare.

The spate of violence is believed to be linked to investigations into corruption at the higher learning institution.

The case was postponed to 4 May for a formal bail application. The suspects remain in custody.

Video: Supplied.

READ: Five appeared in court for Fort Hare murders – Here is the latest

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