• Mampane said he fired the gun out of fear after students kicked down his door during protests.

• Families say the university is protecting the suspect while victims are left to fend for themselves.

A Walter Sisulu University residence manager accused of killing a student told the court he opened fire to save his life and protect his family.

Monwabisi Mampane, 54, appeared in the Mthatha Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to apply for bail. He was arrested on 17 April and has since had his case postponed twice.

He is charged with murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges relate to the shooting that killed student Sisonke Mbolekwa and injured two others — Ntando Gqetywa and Lizwa Ndzumo.

The three were part of a student protest over poor residence conditions when live rounds were fired.

Mampane told the court he feared for his life when the students tried to force their way into his home.

“I was scared. They kicked the door. I didn’t want to shoot anyone — I tried to shoot into the air,” he said.

He insisted he only fired once and claimed he heard more gunshots from outside, suggesting someone else may have hit the students.

Mampane also said that if released on bail, he would stay at a safe house provided by the university.

That did not sit well with the families of the injured students.

One relative of Lizwa Ndzumo said: “Walter Sisulu University is protecting a murderer while we’re protecting our child on our own.”

Lizwa was shot in the back and now cannot walk or stand without help. His family said he is too scared to attend class as he keeps getting anonymous calls asking where he is.

The bail hearing continues at 10am on Wednesday, when the state is expected to cross-examine Mampane.

Pictured above: EFF Provincial leader Ncedo Kolanisi addressing the media on behalf of the families outside the court on Tuesday.

Image source: Supplied