Stellenbosch University has expelled a male student after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a fellow student on Thursday 4 August.
His expulsion follows a reported rape allegation was made to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday, 18 May 2022. As reported by The South African, the 19-year-old female student was raped at approximately 10.30 pm on 17 May at the Majuba Residence in Victoria Street, Stellenbosch.
The incident was also referred to Student Discipline for investigation after the female student lodged a complaint with the Equality Unit of Stellenbosch University at the time.
The university’s Central Disciplinary Committee (CDC) undertook the student disciplinary process and a hearing was held. He was found guilty of “instances of sexual misconduct.”
A statement released by the university on Friday night confirmed that the case was concluded and the male student, whose identity can not be revealed, would be expelled.
“The University maintains a strict zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence,” said Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning.
“As Management, we reiterate our deep distress regarding incidents of sexual misconduct. The University condemns all forms of crime and any infringement on human rights including gender-based violence in the strongest possible terms. In line with our Unfair Discrimination and Harassment policy we will continue to combat gender-based violence on our campuses.”
The institution’s Media Manager, Martin Viljoen, said the matter is also under criminal investigation, which is still underway before the court. The university distanced itself from the criminal proceedings pursued by the victim.
The sanctions imposed on him are as follows:
- The male student is expelled from the University of Stellenbosch
- The sanction must be published in the student community in a suitable manner that does not reveal the identity of both parties or any witnesses
- The perpetrator has been given five days to appeal the university’s independent Central Disciplinary Committee ruling.
Kwenzokuhle Khumalo is a student activist at Stellenbosch University told EWN: “Honestly, for me, I appreciated the transparency from the university because we never really get updates on how these cases end but I did appreciate the fact that they did mention the expulsion not only from the residence but from the university as well.”
Sifiso Zungu, Sasco’s Western Cape convener believes the outcome came as no surprise as it is evident that a rape culture exists amidst tertiary institutions which need urgent intervention.
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Day 3: How to be there for someone who’s been sexually assaulted
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery