Ex-Stellenbosch University student charged for urinating on another student's belongings acquitted

CAPE TOWN - The lawyer of a former Stellenbosch University student, charged for urinating on another student's belongings, has confirmed that his client has been acquitted on all criminal charges.

Stellenbosch University found Theuns du Toit guilty of several violations of its disciplinary code for students, following an incident at campus residence, Huis Marais, three years ago.

Du Toit was filmed urinating on fellow student Babalo Ndwayana’s books and laptops in May 2022.

The incident sparked public outrage and ignited massive protests at the university.

He was expelled, and later charges of crimen injuria and malicious damage to property were filed against him.

Du Toit's lawyer, Dirk van Niekerk, told EWN that they are happy with Tuesday's judgment.

"The court basically, in short, said that the testimony of the complainant Mr Ndwayana was completely unreliable. It also referred to the various instances where Mr Ndwayana changed his mind, particularly how he ended up explaining how he didn't consider the incident racist at all. In fact, in the beginning, he also didn’t consider it racist. But it was clear to the court now that there was outside intervention."

He said that his client was relieved and wanted to put this matter behind him.

"He’s also due to start his exams now. He’s studying at a different institution. Unfortunately, he couldn’t continue with his law studies, but he’s studying something else."