A VIDEO of a man stabbing a woman at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has caused outrage from various corners of South Africa.
The incident happened on Friday, 10 November.
In the video, the man, who is believed to be a student from the neighbouring University of Western Cape, can be seen stabbing the woman repeatedly before other students came to her rescue.
The man, who is seen holding a knife in his hand, threatened other students who tried to stop him from attacking the woman who lay on the ground.
According to sources, the woman and man are a couple and have a child together.
In another video, angry CPUT students could be seen beating up the perpetrator before he was saved by guards from a private security company.
EFF Student Command president, Sihle Lonzi condemned the incident, which he described as “appalling”.
“South Africa remains a crime scene, particularly for black women and children. This heinous act is happening in an institution of higher learning which should be a save haven for future intelligentsia of our nation. It has become a norm for our parents to send their children to school and instead of collecting them with a graduation gown, they collect them in a coffin,” said Lonzi.
He said campuses only have police officers when students are embarking on protests fighting for their rights, but the same cops are not there to protect students from gender-based violence.
“The culprit has effectively forfeited all his rights to live among us. There will never be any reason nor explanation to justify such a horrendous act,” said Lonzi.
DA Shadow Minister of Higher Education, Chantel King said they are going to engage with CPUT.
“Our thoughts are with the victim and the wider student community, we wish her a swift and full recovery. This tragic event is a stark reminder of the urgent need for heightened security measures on campuses and residences/student accommodation across South Africa.
"Gender-based violence remains a scourge in our society and our educational spaces should be sanctuaries, free from violence and harm,” said King.
She said the DA will conduct an oversight visit at CPUT on Tuesday, 14 November with university management to find solutions on the way forward.
CPUT spokeswoman, Lauren Kansley said they are aware of the incident, which happened at a privately owned residence.
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“The female CPUT student sustained serious injuries and has been transferred to Tygerberg Hospital for emergency surgery. She is being supported by CPUT management and at this stage our focus is on her recovery, well-being and notifying her family. The alleged perpetrator has been arrested and will await a court appearance in next week.
“Therapy has been offered to fellow CPUT students who may have been traumatised by this incident and we will roll out face-to-face counselling next week,” said Kansley.
Police spokesman, Captain Frederick Van Wyk confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and is under police guard in hospital. He said the man faces an attempted murder charge.
