Wits appoints gender activist to investigate handling of rape complaint
Wits Vice-Chancellor Adam Habib has appointed gender activist Nomboniso Gasa to investigate whether or not there were any lapses on the part of the University's structures and officials in their responses to a rape complaint.
A female student says she was raped at the Wits Junction residence in Parktown on 30 October.
Residence management and security are accused of having protected the alleged rapist.
Habib says he met with the complainant and her mother about the incident and also the manner in which the University's official structures responded to her complaint.
"I particularly enquired about her experience at the Office of Residence Life, Student Affairs and the Gender Equity Office regarding her complaint. She explained that some individuals engaged with her more effectively than others, and while some were extremely helpful and sensitive to her needs, others had not been equally responsive to her situation," says Habib.
Habib says Gama has agreed to conduct an independent investigation into the matter on the University's behalf.
"Ms Gasa will provide a report to me personally within the next 72 hours.
I request all students and staff to cooperate with Ms Gasa in respect of this investigation, to make themselves available and to provide any information that she may require to properly conduct this investigation. Staff and students are reminded not to attempt to communicate with the parties involved during this time and to respect their privacy," says Habib.