Two club rugby players appeared in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 June 2026. Magistrate Martie Wilson granted them bail of R3,000 each on rape charges.
The 23-year-old loose forward from a Wellington rugby club and his 28-year-old friend, who plays for a club in the Swartland, were arrested on 27 April. A 21-year-old student from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology accused them of raping her four times in the early hours of 16 April.
Magistrate grants bail to Wellington rugby players despite state arguments
The state argued that the two men acted with common purpose. It described the offence as gang rape on the indictment. However, Magistrate Wilson rejected this framing for the bail decision.
She noted that gang rape cases are usually accompanied by severe violence. The J88 medical report showed no indication of such injuries. Wilson said the state had not proved extraordinary circumstances that would justify refusing bail.
The men face a Schedule 6 offence. In these cases the onus rests on the accused to convince the court why they should be released.
Strict conditions set for the Wellington rugby players granted bail
Wilson imposed tight conditions on their release. The Wellington rugby players granted bail may not travel to Wellington except to attend court. They must first obtain written permission from the investigating officer, Constable Winston Pegram, or apply to the court.
They are also barred from contacting the complainant directly or indirectly, including on any social media platform. If they fail to appear at future hearings, their bail will be revoked and the R3,000 forfeited.
Magistrate weighs witness versions and social media claims
Wilson considered the different versions presented by witnesses and how strongly they weighed against each other. The state referred to social media posts that allegedly attacked and harassed the complainant. Wilson noted that accusations and comments had come from supporters of both sides.
She also examined a WhatsApp conversation involving a mutual friend. The friend allegedly asked the complainant if she would consider dropping the charges because “there are people who will pay her”. Wilson observed a question mark at the end of the sentence and no further questions on the topic. She found no evidence that the accused were involved in the posts or knew about them.
Wilson said the state has a strong prima facie case, but the trial court must decide its final weight.
Case postponed to August for further investigation
The matter was postponed until 5 August 2026 for further investigation. No statements from the accused, their legal representatives or the rugby clubs were placed before the court during the bail hearing.
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