Student gang rape accused temporarily suspended
University institutes investigation after the gang rape of a student at the campus residence
THREE University of Zululand (Unizulu) students arrested last month on gang rape charges, have been temporarily suspended from the tertiary institution.
Mxolisi Ngobese (24), Siyanda Mkhize (24) and Manelisi Ntshangase (29), who each faces a count of rape, reappeared at the Mtunzini Magistrate’s Court last week and the case has been remanded to 22 May.
Director of Communications and Marketing at Unizulu, Normah Zondo, said the students were given an opportunity to respond after university management served them with official letters of intended suspension.
‘However, considering the gravity of the matter, all three students were temporarily suspended while the investigation into the matter is being instituted,’ said Zondo.
The suspects were each released on R1 000 bail with strict conditions.
The university confirmed that the victim had received counselling from the Student Services Division and protection measures were in place to ensure her safety.
The victim (22), a second-year student, was reportedly invited to a party at a student dorm and taken to one of the rooms at the East Block residence where she was raped by three students.
The suspects were arrested by members of the Family, Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit at Unizulu last month.
@RonelleRamsamy
