CPUT student accused of attempted murder denied bail in Bellville

A Cape Peninsula University of Technology student accused of attempted murder was denied bail in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 September, and will remain in custody while police continue their investigation.

Eyewitness News reported from the hearing that Katlego Kgaswane appeared for the final stage of his bail application. The case concerns an alleged attack on a female student at the university earlier this month. He has not been convicted, and the allegations will be tested in court.

The investigating officer opposed bail. According to EWN’s account of the proceedings, the officer referred to the severity of the student’s injuries and alleged that the accused had gone to her room armed with a knife. Those are prosecution allegations, not findings on guilt.

The magistrate also referred to the wider crisis of violence against women when giving the bail decision. The ruling determines whether the accused may be released while the case continues; it is not a verdict on the attempted-murder charge.

Students and friends of the complainant attended the hearing, EWN reported. The matter was postponed to 26 October for further investigation.