Stellenbosch University (SU) has temporarily suspended two male students from its Metanoia Residence for alleged sexual assault.
In a text message sent on Sunday (21 April) the residence head informed stakeholders of the gender-based violent (GBV) incident that occurred in the residence at the weekend.
The text further stated those implicated in the alleged sexual assault had been expelled from the residence with immediate effect. It also mentioned an urgent meeting to inform residents of what transpired would be held that evening.
Speaking to Eikestadnuus, on condition of anonymity, a student alleged two male students were expelled temporarily from the residence by its head after they allegedly sexually assaulted a female resident in the early hours of Saturday morning (20 April).
It is believed one of the males was a student leader at the residence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the university said it had “learned with dismay about the incident”, adding that the case had been referred to its Equality Unit.
It further stated it is following its policies and protocols in the investigation and handling of the case.
SU further confirmed the two male students had been temporarily suspended from the Metanoia residence.
“At this stage the safety of all involved is of the utmost importance. The two implicated male students were temporarily suspended from the residence by the residence’s head pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.”
This is not the first GBV incident at the co-ed residence; a female student complained of a student leader of the residence allegedly sexually harassing her in 2018. SU’s Equality Unit, which deals with these types of incidents, recommended that the student leader, who was found not guilty by the University’s Disciplinary Committee, be removed from Metanoia.
At the time SU’s policies and protocols, however, allowed for voluntary leave and the recommendation therefore fell outside policies. The student leader refused to leave voluntarily and remained at the residence.
According to a report by SU, the complainant did not wish to pursue the case “due to the impact of the matter on her studies”.
In 2020, another female student was apparently also targeted when she woke up to find a man in her bed in the early morning hours.
According to a report by Stellenbosch Media Forum, the man, who was later found not to be linked to SU, and three others gained unauthorised access to the residence after a student leader left the emergency exit door open.
The student leader later resigned and voluntarily left the residence.
Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU deputy vice-chancellor for learning and teaching, said gender-based violence cannot be tolerated in the SU community, adding university management will continue to fight against it.
“The [university] management again raises its deep concerns about incidents of sexual violence,” he said.
“The university condemns, in the strongest possible terms, all forms of violence and any violations of human rights, including gender-based violence.”
Meanwhile, the SU Student Representative Council (SRC), expressed its condemnation of what they call “disgusting and inhumane acts”.
The council is demanding the suspension of the accused from the university pending the outcome investigation outcome.
“It is imperative that the accused be swiftly suspended from the institution, pending a thorough and impartial investigation,” the SRC said.
According to the university the female student has been referred to the newly opened Thuthuzela Care Centre in Idas Valley for further support and counselling.
