TWO suspects have been arrested in connection with the gang rape of a female student at a University of Zululand student residence on Friday.
The second-year student, who had been invited to a party, was reportedly taken to one of the rooms at the East Block residence and raped by three suspects.
Empangeni SAP spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose, said members of the Family, Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit arrested two men at Unizulu on Monday afternoon.
‘We are confident that another suspect will be arrested soon. A case of rape was opened at the Mtunzini police station and the suspects are being held in custody until their court appearance,’ said Mdlalose.
It is believed the 22-old-victim was a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party at the tertiary institution.
On Monday morning, student members of the party and the Women’s Brigade gathered outside the Mtunzini SAP, demanding an explanation as to why the suspects had not been apprehended during the weekend.
‘After consultation with several doctors after the incident, it is suspected that her drinks had been spiked,’ said Chairperson of SADESMO, an affiliate of the IFP student wing, Sbonakaliso Jobe.
‘We also have reports that the party at the student residence was arranged by the Student Representative Council. The suspects are known to the victim,’ said Jobe.
‘As the Women’s Brigade, we were not happy with how the case was handled. It was reported on Saturday and we expected arrests during the weekend,’ said Chairperson of the IFP Women’s Brigade, Mathomane Dlulane.
Students
The university’s Director of Communications and Marketing, Normah Zondo, said the university was yet to confirm whether the suspects were all students or not.
‘A female complainant reported this matter to the university security and the matter was subsequently referred to the Mtunzini SAPS for further investigation.
‘The university security is internally investigating a gang rape case and due processes will be followed in dealing with the suspects,’ said Zondo.
She said the university viewed this incident in a ‘very serious light’.
‘We will never rest until suspects are dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country. Due to the unfolding legal processes, the university cannot divulge any further information. We would urge all the interested parties to allow the law to take its course,’ Zondo said.
