Minister of Police and University of Fort Hare Vice Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu attend the court case. Photo: University of Fort Hare/ Facebook
The five men, linked to the University of Fort Hare killings, have been charged with murder, attempted murder, fraud, and corruption.
Minister of Police and University of Fort Hare Vice Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu attend the court case. Photo: University of Fort Hare/ Facebook
The University of Fort Hare has shown appreciation to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Police Bheki Cele and his team of investigators for cracking the case of assassinations plaguing the institution.
On Tuesday 11 April 2023, five men appeared for the first time before the Alice Magistrates Court, for their respective roles in a series of attacks on Fort Hare University staff, including the two murders.
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The team of investigators has been investigating the murder of the driver and close protector of Fort Hare University Vice Chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu. Protector Mboneni Vesele was shot and killed inside the Professor’s vehicle in February 2023. The scope of the investigative team also included the murder of the Institutions fleet manager, Petrus Roets, who was fatally shot in March last year, the attempted assassinations of other University staff members.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African Minister of Police Bheki Cele and the National task team of Investigators.”
University of Fort Hare
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“Over the weekend, arrest breakthroughs were made after the murders of Misters Roets and Vesele, and for the attempted murder of senior staff, including the VC. Today, five suspects appeared in the Alice Magistrate’s Court in connection with these crimes,” the university confirmed.
The five men have been charged with murder, attempted murder, fraud, and corruption. Two of the accused are also facing additional charges relating to possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Fort Hare University management, through its Vice Chancellor Professor Buhlungu, has commended the breakthrough.
The institution, however, is disturbed that some of those who appeared in the dock are former and current employees of the University.
One of the accused is a former SRC member; turned businessman who is a service provider to the University.
Police Minister General, Bheki Cele attended the court proceedings along with National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola and his management team. They have urged investigators to leave no stone unturned in connecting all the dots and finding all those behind the series of attacks on University employees, believed to be linked to corruption within the institution.
The five men are expected to formally apply for bail on 4 May and remain in custody.