A Rhodes University student has been prosecuted and subsequently sanctioned by the university for the rape of a first-year student and for assaulting another female student.
A Rhodes University student has been prosecuted and subsequently sanctioned by the university for the rape of a first-year student and for assaulting another female student.
He was found guilty of rape, assault and making disparaging and derogatory remarks based upon the victim’s gender.
According to Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat, “despicable, violent and inhumane conduct against women has absolutely no place at Rhodes University and the University will not under any circumstances tolerate such conduct.”
The following sanctions have been imposed on the perpetrator:
* He is excluded from Rhodes University for ten years
* His academic transcript has been endorsed
* Rhodes will not recognise any credits that he may obtain at any other University
* He is not permitted to be on Rhodes’ property during the term of his exclusion.
Two of the perpetrator’s friends were also subsequently charged in terms of the Student Disciplinary Code for giving untruthful evidence on his behalf. They pleaded guilty at the disciplinary hearing and were also sanctioned.
Dr Badat commended the courage of the two victims for going through the ordeal of the hearing. He also praised the team co-ordinated by the Director of Special Projects in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office for their exceptional dedication and efforts in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
