UCT, police investigate sexual assault allegation
The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the police have initiated investigations into allegations of rape and indecent assault, both institutions said on Monday.
The police’s provincial spokesperson FC Van Wyk confirmed a case had been opened and said: “This office can confirm that an indecent assault case was opened for investigation, [the] investigation continues.”
UCT spokeswoman Gerda Kruger said: “The University of Cape Town has noted various allegations on social media of a rape that allegedly occurred in a building on its campus.”
“Once it was made aware, the institution immediately activated the necessary support services to assist those involved in the incident, and a UCT senior investigator was assigned to immediately investigate all the aspects of the case.”
Kruger said that such allegations were “extremely upsetting”.
“We acknowledge the devastating trauma for those closely involved,” she said adding that appropriate support was made available immediately.
Kruger’s comments come on the back of an uproar on social media on Monday that a rape had allegedly taken place at a building on the university campus. The alleged victim had posted on Facebook that she had been violated in the early hours of the morning. Posts then made their way across social media platforms naming and picturing the alleged suspect, stating he had raped the victim. Later that day, the alleged victim removed the original post, calling the assault “sexual harassment”.
Kruger asked that anyone with information urgently contact the university’s investigator who would assist the police. Those wanting to make contact could email or call Steven Ganger on [email protected] or 021 650 2222/3.
Kruger also commented on the naming and picturing of the alleged suspect: “We are aware that allegations are being levelled against a particular individual who allegedly was involved in the sexual assault of a female student. The accused in the case must be treated according to fair and appropriate legal process.
“It is for the justice system, not social media, to find the person guilty or innocent, after due process,” she said.
She added that rape and sexual assault were “a dreadful reality for citizens of our country”, the matter be treated “with utmost seriousness, and within due process and due legality”.
“UCT certainly intends to do so,” she added. - ANA