- A female student (26) was stabbed multiple times in a vicious gender-based violent attack at the weekend.
- The woman, a student at CPUT, was stabbed by a man, allegedly her husband, who is a student at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
- A graphic video of the incident shows the female on the ground being stabbed repeatedly.
A female student (26) stabbed multiple times in a vicious gender-based violent attack at the weekend is still recovering in hospital, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) said on Monday 13 November.
The woman, a student at CPUT, was stabbed by a man, allegedly her husband, who is a student at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
“The incident, which occurred at a privately-owned student residence in Belhar, was widely circulated on social media and has been reported on by most mainstream news organisations,” CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said in a statement.
The incident took place at The Orchard, a residence of South Point Accommodation in Belhar, on Saturday 11 November.
The graphic video shows the female on the ground being stabbed repeatedly. The suspect also pulls her hair before some men approach to help the woman.
An attempted murder case was registered by police, provincial police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed on Monday. “A 30-year-old male suspect was arrested and is currently under police guard in hospital,” he said. “The injured victim was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The investigation continues.”
Nhlapo said CPUT was focusing on supporting the student and ensuring justice was served. “We will work closely with SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure this.”
He lauded the men who helped the woman. “Your bravery in doing so likely saved her life.”
Nhlapo lamented the incident, saying: “This is indeed a sad incident to have occurred to one of our own, especially as the nation prepares for the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.”
He also urged members of CPUT to stop sharing the video clips, as they risked re-traumatising the victim and others who have experienced similar attacks. “At all times our intention must be to help and not hinder their healing.”
South Point Accommodation could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
