CPUT student suspended following serious rape allegations

A Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) male student accused of raping a female student at its residence in Observatory last month was granted R5 000 bail at his appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court yesterday, Monday, November 5.

This was according to NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, who said that the suspect applied for bail on Monday, November 3, which the NPA opposed. However, the court granted bail.

Mr Ntabazalila could not confirm whether the suspect was out on bail, as this was dependent on whether bail was paid or not, and did not provide more information on the bail conditions at the time the article was published. 

According to the provincial police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk, Woodstock police registered a rape case following an incident that took place at a student residence in Browning Street, Observatory, on Saturday, October 18. “The victim is a 23-year-old female residing at the same address,” he said.

Captain Van Wyk said Woodstock police were assisted by public order police when a group of about 200 students gathered and started protesting because they wanted access to the suspect.

CPUT spokesperson, Lauren Kangsley, said the alleged rape and subsequent arrest of the alleged perpetrator are receiving the necessary attention from their executive as well as campus protection services. “The accused has been suspended and is currently in custody,” she said.

Ms Kangsley said that the matter is now under police investigation, and they appreciate the swift action taken in removing the accused from the residence.

“CPUT works with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on regular briefings to ensure that all matters, but specifically gender-based violence (GBV) ones, are handled in an empathetic and speedy way,” she said.

Ms Kangsley said CPUT's Legal Services Unit will monitor the case until its conclusion, and internal processes, including counselling for the victim, will take place.