Rhodes Memorial above UCT has turned into a dark place – and that’s not because it pays tribute to a man who largely funded Britain’s colonialism of Africa. Rather it has been the location of crimes of assault against three females and one male.

A female hiker was assaulted and robbed near Rhodes Memorial on Monday afternoon. The incident is yet to be linked to the two females who were raped in the area – one earlier in January and the other closer to the beginning of December ’15.

UCT has issued a warning to its students to avoid the area, especially after dark:

It is with outrage and regret that we inform University of Cape Town staff and particularly students of incidents of a most serious criminal nature that have recently occurred off campus in the vicinity of Rhodes Memorial.

We urge all to avoid the area, particularly after dark.

Well done on changing your tune, UCT.

Earlier in January, a male student was held at gunpoint after which his car was stolen near the M3 below Rhodes Mem.

In light of these incidents, we urge everyone to avoid the path used as a shortcut that goes through the bushes.

Although it is suspected it may be the same perpetrator and individual cases have been opened, everyone should remain vigilant.

[source: enca]