Wits University suspends SRC member over rape allegation


Wits University says a Student Representative Council  member accused of raping a female student has been suspended. The incident is said to have happened over the weekend.

The university says the decision to suspend follows internal consultations and engagements with the Wits Investigations Office and the Gender Equity Office.

Monday night, Wits students held a peaceful protest against gender-based harm at the institution’s Braamfontein Campus.

The situation remains calm this morning. Some of the students say they do not feel safe at campus.

Wits University spokesperson Shirona Patel says the institution takes such issues very seriously.

“The University is looking into it. The Gender-Equity office is taking it very seriously. If a criminal needs to be openned, a criminal case will be openned. And we encourage people to come forward and report as soon as possible. It is not always easy for victims to do so but we try to create a safe space for this to happen. The University condemns any form of gender-based harm.”

University encourages people to come forward and report as soon as possible.