UCT rape suspect opts not to apply for bail

The man arrested for a rape near UCT now faces multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted murder.

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Cape Town - A 35-year old man suspected of a string of rapes in the vicinity of the Rhodes Memorial near the University of Cape Town (UCT) will not be applying for bail, it emerged in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The man, who was casually dressed in a jeans and a white hooded top, appeared briefly in court where it was confirmed that he faced multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted murder.

When Magistrate Hafiza Mohamed asked the man whether he was indeed foregoing his chance to apply for bail, he replied: “It is true.”

The case was postponed to May 17 for further investigation.

The suspect was arrested on the slopes of Table Mountain last Saturday after UCT offered a reward of R100 000 a week ago.

At his first court appearance on Monday he was only facing charges in connection with the rape of a 23-year-old woman in November last year.

At the time, police said he could be linked to a series of other attacks in the Rhodes Memorial area.

Several women, including four students from UCT, have been attacked near the memorial site.

African News Agency