The bail application of 19-year-old Stellenbosch University student Dimpho Moketedi has been postponed to 18 November 2026 after she failed to appear in court on Monday, 26 October.
Moketedi faces attempted murder and arson charges after allegedly setting a fellow student alight and setting fire to his room at an off-campus residence in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch.
According to the Cape Argus, the postponement followed reported transport problems at Pollsmoor Correctional Services, where Moketedi is being detained.
Transport issues delay bail application
Moketedi was expected to appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court on Monday for her bail application.
However, the State prosecutor informed the court that alleged transport difficulties at Pollsmoor Correctional Services had prevented her from attending.
The hearing was subsequently postponed by more than three weeks, with the matter now scheduled to resume on 18 November.
The Cape Argus reported that Pollsmoor Correctional Services had been approached for comment but had not yet provided a response.
University confirms student’s suspension
The postponement comes as Moketedi was expected to begin writing her university examinations on Tuesday, 27 October.
However, Stellenbosch University has reportedly suspended her and prohibited her from entering its premises.
University spokesperson Martin Viljoen confirmed that the institution had been informed of the postponed bail hearing.
Viljoen explained that the university could not comment further because it had not yet communicated with Moketedi about its disciplinary processes.
He maintained that the institution’s actions were being handled in accordance with its student disciplinary code.
What happened in Cloetesville?
The charges relate to an incident on Sunday, 18 October, at student accommodation in Lackay Street, Cloetesville.
A 19-year-old male student was allegedly set alight and his room was reportedly set on fire.
The injured student was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk confirmed that cases of attempted murder and arson had been opened at Cloetesville SAPS.
Moketedi first appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court on 20 October, when her case was postponed for a bail application.
The motive behind the alleged attack remains unconfirmed.
The accommodation involved is privately operated and is not owned or managed by Stellenbosch University.
Moketedi’s bail application is expected to proceed on 18 November.
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