NEWS

Adding to the two investigations into recent alleged racist incidents at the institution, Stellenbosch University is now also dealing with a student allegedly raping another student on campus.The university’s spokesperson, Martin Viljoen, said the alleged perpetrator was caught on Wednesday morning and that the alleged victim was accompanied to hospital by the police, where she was examined and given the necessary medication. He added that she was safe and was being cared for.

“In accordance with its procedures and protocols, the university will suspend the alleged perpetrator from his residence, pending further internal and criminal investigations by law enforcement authorities. It must be noted that this is now a criminal matter and the law will run its course.”

This news came soon after a student who alleged she was raped by an academic at the University of Cape Town (UCT) took to Twitter to ask for help, claiming that the university was protecting the alleged perpetrator.

Tweeting under the handle RAPED@UCT, the student said that she alerted the university after the incident and further alleged that vice-chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng wanted to silence her.

On Wednesday, UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola said that even though the tweets were anonymous, the matter was being addressed.

READ: Blade Nzimande tells Stellenbosch University not to be a ‘sanctuary to racists’

“The university is aware that the allegation of sexual misconduct is being investigated by the police and the Western Cape government. The alleged perpetrator is a joint staff member of the Western Cape government and UCT in a relationship governed by a bilateral agreement.”

Moholola said the student had been offered support by the university, but chose not to make use of the services.

Phakeng, who was tagged in Twitter posts, responded with the statement that had been shared by the institution.

Phakeng wrote:

In another response, she said: “It’s been three years. This student makes allegations and refuses help from the university. Please try to help her.”

Her mention of the student having an “agenda” led to an outcry on social media. Some people suggested that her comments might stop other students who had been sexually assaulted at the university from coming forward.

Meanwhile, shock waves are still spreading across the country after it emerged this week that Stellenbosch University student Theuns du Toit allegedly urinated on fellow student Babalo Ndwayana’s belongings in the Huis Marais residence on Sunday morning.

News24 reported on Thursday that Rudi du Toit had said that there were going to be “reconciliation” talks between the fathers of the students following the incident.

Ndwayana’s father, Mkuseli Kaduka, has denied these reports, posting on Facebook:

“I did receive a call from the boy’s father trying to plead his son’s case as any parent would. Certain forces are driving their agenda and perpetuating false information. I do not have plans to meet with the Du Toits, although they would love for that to happen. I’m very much committed to seeing this fight through to the end. If I come out of this with anything it’ll be the dignity of my child restored and the perpetrator facing what’s due to them. I will not waiver nor yield in my quest to seek justice.”

The university has suspended Du Toit and his disciplinary hearing is scheduled for Friday.

Ndwayana has also opened a criminal case with the police.