- The man (30) who stabbed a female student (26) multiple times on Saturday will remain in custody.
- He has subsequently been suspended from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) where he was a student.
- A video of the incident was widely circulated on social media.
The man (30) who stabbed a female student (26) multiple times on at a private residence on Saturday will remain in custody until his court appearance next week.
He appeared in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 November on a charge of attempted murder and rape.
His name was withheld while it was being determined whether he had pleaded in the rape case.
The man, who is allegedly married to the victim, has been suspended from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) where he was a student, the university has confirmed. The woman is a student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
The incident took place at the Orchard, a residence owned by South Point in Belhar.
READ | CPUT student still recovering after being stabbed multiple times by her partner
A video of the incident was widely circulated on social media. It shows how the man stabs the woman repeatedly with what looks like a knife while she lies on the ground. The suspect also pulls her hair, before some men approach to help the victim. Another video shows how others attack the suspect, before he is led away by security.
The incident has drawn a widespread response, from universities and political parties.
Both universities have lamented the incident and added the victim was in their thoughts.
CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said the university was focusing on supporting the student and ensuring justice was served. “We will therefore 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.”
UWC, in turn, said there “cannot be any justification for such cruelty.”
Interestingly, UWC held a march against gender-based violence a day before the incident. “(Students) submitted a memorandum of grievances to the executive management of the university. There are cases the Office of the Proctor is busy investigating, and these are being prioritised because UWC has a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence (GBV).”
CPUT also has a strong stance against GBV.
“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,” Nhlapo said.
He urged members of CPUT to stop sharing video clips of the attack, as they risk re-traumatising the victim and others who have experienced similiar attacks. “At all times our intention must be to help and not hinder their healing.”
CPUT has also offered therapy to fellow students and says it will roll face-to-face counselling out in this week.
South Point has confirmed all security protocols were followed on the day of the incident.
“The suspect signed in as a visitor…visitors are then collected from reception by the resident(s) being visited.”
They will, however, investigate the use of handheld metal detectors.
