A Stellenbosch University (SU) student was allegedly assaulted at her residence by another student. The incident allegedly occurred at Lobelia Senior Residence on 2 March, said Martin Viljoen ,spokesperson for SU.
Lobelia Stellenbosch University residence where the alleged assault took place. PHOTO: Kyra Rensburg
The student reported the alleged assault to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and laid a charge against the accused on 3 March, according to an emailed response from Dr Choice Makhetha, senior director of student affairs at SU. The incident was also reported to John Ruiters, head of Lobelia.
“The matter has been taken into consideration by the disciplinary committee,” said Ruiters.
The assault complaint has also been referred to the SU student disciplinary office and the Equality Unit (EqU) for formal investigation, according to Makhetha.
“The Division for Student Affairs (DSAf) at SU is aware of and currently working with the involved students and appropriate university structures to investigate and resolve a GBV [gender-based violence] incident that took place at Lobelia Residence,” said Makhetha.
The alleged assault was initially publicised on social media by the @antigbv_su Instagram account, which created a post claiming that poor action was taken by SU in response to the incident.
“On the day following the incident, a social media post was brought to the attention of the resident head which stated as fact several inaccuracies about the events that took place, as well as the process and conversations that followed,” said Makhetha.
Ruiter’s response to the alleged assault included “interviewing each of the students involved in the incident to determine the details, providing guidance and instructions on the process going forward and reporting the incident”, according to Makhetha.
The @antigbv_su Instagram account has since removed the post and issued an apology stating that they posted inaccurate information about the alleged assault.
“[T]here has been a massive miscommunication.The University did in fact assist the student timeously in reporting the case and attempting to remove the perpetrator from the residence [sic],” stated @antigbv_su on Instagram.
The victim has been provided with counselling, according to Makhetha.
“At SU, we condemn all forms of gender-based violence in the strongest possible terms and we are committed to creating an environment free of gender-based violence. The University will act firmly and decisively against any person who is guilty of any form of gender-based violence,” said Makhetha.
The SU investigation is currently underway. Once concluded, the outcome will be communicated with MatieMedia, said Viljoen, via email.
MatieMedia reached out to the @antigbv_su Instagram account for comment, but they had not responded at the time of publishing.
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Article updated on 26 March 2021
