In a security alert on UCT's website, communication and marketing department acting director, Kylie Hatton, said the woman was attacked while walking on the mountain.

“The student crossed the M3 bridge near Rhodes Avenue yesterday [Thursday] at about 18:00 and proceeded uphill towards Rhodes Memorial. On her way back at about 20:00 she was attacked, dragged into the bushes and raped repeatedly,” Hatton said.

“She was eventually released at about 01:00 today [Friday] and she went to the SAPS. They are investigating the case.”

Hatton said police were trying to “verify that this case appears to be the work of a serial criminal”, who is likely to have attacked three other women in December and January.

Two students were raped near Rhodes Memorial and two weeks ago a woman hiker was assaulted and robbed along a path between the M3 and Rhodes Memorial.

“The attacker has been described as a well-spoken man who engages in conversation with those he attacks. He is of slender build in his mid-20s. He appears to know the mountain well and wears a hoodie with black pants,” Hatton said.

She said last month the university had assigned additional security at the bridge over the M3, which is a thoroughfare for students walking to the upper campus.

“We continue to seek new ways to work together with the police, South African National Parks and other stakeholders to respond to this kind of criminal activity and to create a safer space for everyone to move around.”

Police were not immediately able to comment.

-News24.com