Dylan Bettencourt
Just days after suffering two separate racial incidents, Stellenbosch University has been dealt another blow.
A first-year student was allegedly raped on campus on Wednesday night.
The 19-year-old student reported the incident at around 10.30pm.
“The victim has not reported the incident to the SU Equality Unit yet, but she has been provided with information on the various ways that an incident can be reported internally.
“She will be assisted in this regard,” Western Cape police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk said.
The university confirmed that one of its students was taken into custody and has been suspended.
“The alleged perpetrator, a student at the SU residence, was arrested by SAPS yesterday morning.
“In accordance with its established procedures and protocols, the University will suspend the alleged perpetrator from his residence, pending further internal and criminal investigation by law enforcement authorities,” the university said in a statement.
The incident comes in the same week that a student was suspended for urinating on another’s belongings in what was described as a racial attack.
Last Thursday the university suffered another racial incident when an Indian student was mocked at a law school dance event for choosing a traditional song.
The University condemned the acts of violence experienced on the campus in the last week.
“There is absolutely no place in our society or on our campuses for acts of violence. Our hearts go out to the victim of the alleged rape,” the statement added.
The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said student made a brief appearence at the Stellenbosch Magistrates Court on two counts of rape.
He was released on R1 000 bail and his case was postponed to 29 June 2022 for further investigation.
Image source: @DailyMaverick
