Stellenbosch student remains in custody as bail hearing is delayed

The bail application of a 19-year-old Stellenbosch University student accused of setting her former boyfriend alight and torching his room has been postponed for more than three weeks after she failed to appear in court.

Dimpho Moketedi’s bail application was postponed to November 18, 2026, at the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court on Monday after the court was informed that she could not attend because of alleged transport issues at Pollsmoor Correctional Services.

Moketedi faces charges of attempted murder and arson following an incident at off-campus student accommodation in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, on October 18.

Stellenbosch student’s bail hearing postponed

The 19-year-old did not appear in court on Monday, with the State prosecutor citing alleged transport problems at Pollsmoor Correctional Services.

The facility was approached for comment and requested additional time to respond.

Moketedi first appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court on October 20, when the matter was postponed to October 26 for a bail application.

The application has now been delayed until November 18.

University confirms suspension

Moketedi was due to begin writing her examinations on October 27. However, the court was informed that making arrangements for her examinations would be a waste of time because the university had suspended her and barred her from its premises.

Stellenbosch University spokesperson Martin Viljoen confirmed that the institution had been informed of the postponement.

“Stellenbosch University has been informed that the bail hearing has been postponed to 18 November,” Viljoen said.

“As the University has not yet had the opportunity to communicate with the student regarding its processes and procedures, it cannot comment publicly regarding this case.”

“All actions taken by the University are in line with its Disciplinary Code for Students.”

Student allegedly set alight in Cloetesville

Moketedi was arrested following an incident in which a 19-year-old male student was allegedly set alight and his room torched at off-campus student accommodation on Lackay Street in Cloetesville on Sunday, October 18.

The injured student was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk confirmed that cases of arson and attempted murder had been registered at Cloetesville police station for investigation.

Unverified reports and screenshots circulating online suggest that the two students were former partners. However, neither police nor the university has confirmed this, and the motive for the alleged attack has not been made public.

The university previously confirmed that the accommodation where the incident occurred was not owned or managed by the institution.

Moketedi remains accused of attempted murder and arson. The allegations have not been tested in court.