Outrage As CPUT Student Accused Of Rape Granted R5 000 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 R5 000, sparking outrage and renewed anger among students and gender-based violence activists.

The accused, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday for his third appearance, where the state opposed bail.

CPUT  Student Outcry Over Bail Decision

The Schedule 5 bail application placed the burden on the accused to prove that his release served the interests of justice. However, the court ruled in his favour — a decision that drew backlash from the CPUT community.

The alleged rape has shaken the campus, igniting protests and calls for harsher measures against gender-based violence within higher education institutions.

Although fewer students gathered outside court compared to last week, tensions remained high as many awaited the bail outcome. According to reports, nearly 1 200 students signed a petition demanding that the accused remain in custody.

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In his affidavit, the accused — an education student — pleaded for release, citing his upcoming exams and risk of losing academic funding. “Should I not be able to write exams I will fail my course and have to repeat subjects in my third year,” he argued.

He also pledged to comply with his suspension from CPUT as part of his bail conditions.

The matter has been postponed to February 2026 for further investigation.

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