Reported rape cases in Stellenbosch have increased by 12.3% in the last year, from 73 to 82 cases, and local authorities are warning students and residents to stay alert.
“Most of us head out to a pub or party on some nights with the carefree aim of sharing laughter and fun with friends. Unfortunately, there are those who plot their evening according to other intentions, that of rape,” says Captain Natalie Martin, Corporate Communications Officer at the Stellenbosch police station.
“[Rape] and date rape is a concern for the Stellenbosch SAPS and therefore we want to inform the students on and around campus to look out for these types of crimes and protect themselves from being victims.”
Captain Martin pleads with students and residents to practice caution, especially near clubs, pubs and alcohol outlets.
“Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol around strangers. Never leave your drink unattended even if you go to the restroom, ask a friend to look after your drink. Never accept a drink from strangers. Adopt a buddy system, go out with a friend you trust and take care of one another.”
According to Martin Viljoen, SU spokesperson, and the University’s evaluation of reported incidents, there has not been an increase in the number of attacks and rape on campus.
Just a few years ago, however, the university was struck by a sudden rise in rapes on the US campus, near the Harmonie (https://ewn.co.za/2016/03/09/Police-investigate-after-Maties-student-is-raped) and Heemstede (https://ewn.co.za/2016/04/04/Maties-students-living-in-fear-after-rape-on-campus) women’s residences.
Professor Amanda Gouws, a Political Science lecturer at SU and a member of the former SU Sexual Harassment advisory board, says she is aware that students are not satisfied with what is being done to fight rape and rape culture on campus.
“I think we have to look at it from a national perspective and we cannot be sure if rape increased or if reported cases increased. Every year this is an issue. In my opinion it’s both,” says Gouws.
“It would not surprise me if there are incidences of rape on campus that are not reported. People are more than likely not well-versed with the process [of reporting sexual crimes] or they aren’t comfortable with it.
“If they report it at the university they also have to report it to the police because it is a criminal offence. I think that says something about students’ trust in the system,” says Gouws.
According to Viljoen, there are a number of entry points where gender-based violence, rape and sexual harassment and misconduct can be reported and dealt with at SU.
“The university is continuously reviewing its safety and security arrangements. When we appeal to staff and students to be vigilant and to avoid actions that put you at risk, the intention is not to shift the blame for incidents to our campus community,” says Viljoen.
“With 20 000 plus individuals on our Stellenbosch campus most days of the week, it is just not possible to eliminate all criminal activity. In Stellenbosch the same safety precautions should be taken as elsewhere in the country.”
