The bail application of 19-year-old Stellenbosch University student Dimpho Moketedi—who faces charges of attempted murder and arson after allegedly setting her ex-boyfriend and his room alight—has been postponed by more than three weeks after she failed to arrive at court on Monday.
Moketedi was scheduled to appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 October, following her initial court appearance on Tuesday, 20 October. However, the teenager was a no-show in the dock, prompting the court to push her formal bail hearing back to 18 November 2026.
According to the State prosecutor, Moketedi could not attend Monday’s proceedings due to alleged transport issues at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility, where she is currently being held on remand.
When approached for comment regarding the delay, the Department of Correctional Services clarified that while it is responsible for housing remand detainees, transporting accused persons between prison and court remains the sole responsibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Suspended and barred ahead of final exams
The lengthy postponement means Moketedi will remain behind bars during the university examination period, as she was originally scheduled to begin writing her exams on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
However, it was noted in court that making special provisions for her to write her exams would be pointless, as Stellenbosch University has already suspended her and barred her from setting foot on campus premises.
Stellenbosch University spokesperson Martin Viljoen confirmed that the institution was aware of the new court date, but declined to verify details surrounding her disciplinary status directly.
“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.”
The Cloetesville arson attack
Moketedi’s arrest stems from an incident on Sunday, 18 October, at an off-campus student accommodation on Lackay Street in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch University previously noted that the private residence is neither owned nor managed by the institution.
During the incident, a 19-year-old male student was allegedly set alight and had his room torched. The injured teenager was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk confirmed that detectives at Cloetesville SAPS are investigating charges of attempted murder and arson.
While unverified reports and screenshots circulating on social media suggest that Moketedi and the injured student were previously in a romantic relationship, neither the police nor the university has officially confirmed their connection, and the motive behind the alleged attack has not yet been disclosed.