A female hiker was assaulted and robbed along a path between the M3 and Rhodes Memorial, Western Cape police said on Tuesday.
While the victim was not a UCT student, the incident has prompted the institution to reiterate its warning to students to be wary in this vicinity.
This comes after two students were raped near Rhodes Memorial in as many months, with the most recent incident reportedly taking place on January 11.
The university has since clarified that its initial report stating that the latest attack was on January 19 was incorrect.
Police spokesperson Constable Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed a case of robbery was being investigated after the woman was attacked on Monday afternoon while hiking.
“The suspect threatened the victim with a knife before he assaulted and robbed her,” Rwexana said.
In an announcement on the university’s website, communication and marketing director Gerda Kruger said the woman had been assisted by police and campus security after being found injured on Rhodes Avenue.
“It is our understanding that the assailant assaulted her and attempted to rape her near Mostert’s Mill, resulting in serious injury,” she said.
The institution was “deeply concerned”, as it took place near its campus.
Kruger said a joint operation was conducted on Monday afternoon by the police, SANParks and campus security.
“It is our understanding that three people have been detained for questioning,” she said.
Rwexana, however, said no one had been arrested.
Vice Chancellor Max Price and representatives from the university’s department of student affairs and campus security visited the area on Tuesday morning.
“The university will work with all stakeholders to ensure that criminal activities are dealt with in the Rhodes Memorial area and that safety and security in the vicinity is restored,” Price said.
Source – News24
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