CAPE TOWN– As the country gears up to observe the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign next month, a recent incident at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) highlights the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV).
On Saturday 18 October, a 24-year-old CPUT student was arrested and later suspended after allegedly raping a fellow student at an off-campus residence in Observatory.
The case, which has been registered at the Woodstock Police Station and transferred to the Cape Town Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), highlights ongoing challenges faced by students in what should be safe learning environments.
Eric Ntabazalila, provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the student appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Monday 20 October.
According to Ntabazalila, the matter was postponed to yesterday (27 October).
The student made a brief appearance where the matter was postponed until Monday 3 November for a bail application.
Ntabazalila confirmed that the student will remain in custody.
The university community, including the student representative council (SRC), has expressed outrage and called for stronger measures to protect students and hold perpetrators accountable.
The campus’ student representative council (SRC) expressed its “disgust and frustration” in a press statement alleging ongoing and growing cases of GBV at the institution.
Lauren Kansley, CPUT spokesperson, confirmed that the student will not be let back into the residence and added that continuous support and counselling will be offered to the female student.
