SAPS denies releasing image of Rhodes Memorial's alleged rapist
Cape Town – Cape Town police on Saturday said an image on social media, alleged to be that of a man arrested in connection with the Rhodes Memorial rape attacks was not issued by them. In the picture, the man is wearing a blue hoodie which appears to have a UCT emblem branded on it.
The man was suspected of being behind the rape of at least one of the institution's students.
"The image of the suspect on social media wearing a UCT sweater was not issued by SAPS and we are in no position to release his photograph or his identity," said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut.
"The identity of a suspect accused of a sexual offence can only be released after the suspect has pleaded to the charges," he said.
An eNCA reporter posted a picture alleged to be that of the suspect wearing a blue sweater dirtied by grass. "#RhodesMemorial Alleged rapist. @eNCA gains access to pics of his arrest. Face cropped as he's yet to appear in court," the picture was captioned.