Stellies student charged with two counts of rape

AN 18-year-old Stellenbosch University (SU) student made his first court appearance for the alleged rape of a fellow student on campus.

Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday after a 19-year-old victim reported the incident. The incident is being investigated by the Stellenbosch Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.

“It is alleged that the incident occurred at about 10.30pm on May 17 at a residence in Victoria Street, Stellenbosch.”

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the SU student appeared at the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with two counts of rape.

“The court set his bail at R1000 with conditions that he must not be in contact with the complainant,” Ntabazalila said.

The case has been postponed until June 29 for further investigation.

SU said it was deeply distressed over the alleged rape case on its Stellenbosch campus.

It said its rector and management were taking immediate action in terms of supporting the victim, investigation and disciplinary processes.

The university said it would suspend the alleged perpetrator from his residence, pending further internal and criminal investigation by law enforcement authorities.

Accompanied by the police, the victim was taken to Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital where she was examined and received the necessary medication, care and primary counselling, SU said.

“I confirm the university’s strict zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence,” said Professor Hester Klopper, the deputy vice-chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs.

“Like my Rectorate colleagues, I too am personally deeply committed to this cause, and in line with our unfair discrimination and harassment policy we will continue to work harder towards creating an environment free of gender-based violence and that advances equal rights for all.

“Human dignity must be, and will continue to be, a non-negotiable at Stellenbosch University that will be respected, upheld and restored when affected, regardless of the transgression and without fear or favour to an alleged perpetrator.”