A BA Humanities final year student was temporarily suspended from a house in the Listen Live & Learn (LLL) village with immediate effect.
A housemate reported an incident of alleged assault by Bongumusa Mavuso, also known as Lavish, two weeks ago.
According to Martin Viljoen, Stellenbosch University (SU) spokesperson, “the LLL Coordinator used her discretion to temporarily suspend the student from the LLL environment”.
The alleged assault was reported after an allegedly intoxicated Mavuso reportedly screamed and ran after the victim, repeatedly yelling “I’ll kill you!” until the victim sped from the scene.
The LLL-village. PHOTO: Facebook
The decision to suspend Mavuso was made in respect of section 20.3 of the SU Student Disciplinary Code.
When Lana Davids and Tarina Nel, both LLL-coordinators, were asked who made the decision to suspend Mavuso, both referred all questions to Viljoen.
Viljoen said the temporary suspension imposed by Nel was confirmed by the Residence Disciplinary Committee on 20 March 2018. “It remains in effect until the disciplinary investigation and hearing (if any) is finalised next term.”
In her e-mailed response, Nel also said that they “have no problem with coverage of this incident” but “there is a process through which the incident is going” which “should be respected”.
Article 20.3 of the SU Student Disciplinary Code 2016 under which Mavuso was charged.
This is not the first time Mavuso has been accused of misconduct. In May last year MatieMedia reported Mavuso was removed from his position as chairperson of the LesBiGay Society because of allegations of misconduct.
The LesBiGay society instituted a vote of no-confidence against Mavuso in March last year and requested that he pay back money that was unaccounted for under his control.
About LLL
Mavuso was a resident of the LLL village for students from their second academic year onwards. When applying to live in LLL, applications are reviewed by individuals external to the LLL Initiative staff. According to their website, reviewing is done “blind” (i.e. without applicant identity being known).
Students are placed in one of the themed LLL houses to “facilitate engagement with each other and their house mentor” throughout the year.
A house mentor is a member of staff or civil society with expertise or interest in the theme of the house. Some of the 2018 themes are gender equality, nature conservation, technology and innovation, transformative and ethical leadership, and education & community empowerment.
Disciplinary process
The Student Discipline Office will provide support to the disciplinary processes conducted by the Residence Disciplinary Committee. The Student Discipline Office consists of the Head: Student Discipline (Felicia van Rooi), Investigator: Student Discipline (Paul Beresford) and Administrator: Student Discipline (Noluthando Tiya).
*This story was updated with added commentary.