Stellenbosch University student arrested for rape

The 18-year-old student was arrested on campus on Wednesday morning.

In a statement, the university says the 19-year-old woman is being cared for and safe but has not reported the incident to the University's Equality Unit.

She was accompanied to the hospital, where she was examined and received medication, and primary counselling.

The suspect will be suspended from his residence pending investigations.

This is the second student to be suspended for misconduct this week, following the suspension of Theuns du Toit, who is being investigated by police after he urinated on the study material of another student Babalo Ndwayana.

The university's deputy vice-chancellor Professor Hester Klopper says she is committed to dealing with unfair discrimination and gender-based violence.

“I confirm the University’s strict zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, we will continue to work harder toward creating an environment free of gender-based violence that advances equal rights for all."

Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk says the suspect is expected to appear in court on Thursday.

"The circumstances surrounding a rape that was reported to police by a female victim are being investigated by the Stellenbosch FCS unit. It is alleged that the incident occurred at around 22:30 on Tuesday at a residence in Victoria Street, Stellenbosch."

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