Cape Town - Students from the University of Western Cape (UWC) have accused management of being ignorant and not giving sufficient attention to campus rape cases after a third-year student was allegedly raped.
On Saturday night, a 22-year-old was allegedly raped by an unknown man who was seen on a CCTV footage stalking her before following her to a bathroom on campus.
The victim’s sister said she is worried about her sibling because on radio and on social networks like Facebook, people expressed their opinions about the incident and some are mean.
“People need to understand that rape cannot be justified. I want justice for my sister and I am happy she came out about it. This will encourage others to speak out but I was disappointed by UWC.”
Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said it was being investigated.
Akhanya Chole, programme leader of Edu-Drama, part of Gender Equity Unit, said it was saddened by the news. It felt management cares more about the institution’s image and reputation than protecting the student.
“The cases of the students who suffered sexual violence and rape are still dragging and some were slipped under the carpet. Management is not doing anything to combat rape. We were saddened but also happy to see someone standing up for herself and opening up about the sensitive incident."
“Last year we received complaints from students who were sexually assaulted and raped on campus; some dropped out.”
Chole said the sexual harassment policy is outdated.
UWC spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said there are security measures in place and the university has taken punitive action against those who have been found guilty of sexual crimes and violating others’ rights.