Outrage as student accused of rape granted bail

A 24-YEAR-OLD Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) student accused of raping a fellow student at the Catsville residence in Observatory has been granted bail of R5000, a decision that has sparked anger among students.

- MURRAY SWART

The accused, who cannot be named, appeared for the third time in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court yesterday, where the state opposed his release.

The schedule five bail application required the accused to prove that his release would be in the interest of justice rather than placing the onus on the state to justify keeping him in custody.

The alleged rape has sent shock-waves through the CPUT community, igniting protests and renewed calls for stronger action against gender-based violence on campus.

While fewer students gathered outside court compared to last week’s appearance, tensions remained high as many awaited the outcome of the bail hearing.