The Centre for Community Impact (CCI) stands with the survivor, students and the broader community in expressing our profound outrage and concern following the brutal rape of a 19-year-old student at a student accommodation facility. The alleged perpetrators – a security guard (entrusted with protecting residents) and a student (living in the same student accommodation facility), have violated not only the dignity and bodily integrity of the survivor, but also the fundamental trust. This horrific crime has shaken the community and highlighted the urgent need to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students, particularly young women who already face heightened risks of Gender Based Violence.
In the interest of justice, community safety and the protection of the survivor from potential intimidation, retaliation, or further trauma, we call on the relevant judicial authorities to oppose and deny bail to the accused persons while the case is pending. Granting bail in a case of this gravity risks undermining public confidence in the justice system and may place the survivor and other students in continued danger.
We therefore call on:
-
- The courts to refuse bail for the accused pending the full and final determination of the case.
- Law enforcement authorities to ensure a thorough and swift investigation that prioritises justice for the survivor.
- Institutions responsible for student accommodation to strengthen security systems and accountability mechanisms to prevent such violations from ever happening again.
Safety before release. Justice before convenience.
Issued by the: Centre for Community Impact (CCI)