Johannesburg - Wits University has fired two staffers after an investigation found them guilty of sexual harassment.
The two – former senior drama lecturer Tsepo wa Mamatu and former media studies senior lecturer Last Moyo – were among four staff members probed in an independent investigation established by the university following allegations of sexual harassment by students.
Wa Mamatu was placed on leave in March after allegations of rape and sexual abuse were levelled against him.
Wits vice-chancellor and principal Professor Adam Habib said the two were found guilty of sexual harassment and misconduct. One of them was also found guilty of sexual or indecent assault.
“Both staff members have also been found to be in breach of the university’s sexual harassment policy, relationship guidelines and the code of conduct.
“The university publicly apologises to the students who were harassed in any way. It further reaffirms that it will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment on its campuses,” Habib said.
The outcome of the two cases still pending would be announced in the next few weeks.
Even though the names of some of the four staffers under investigation are known, the university will not reveal their names until the investigations – including the appeal process – have been concluded.
Another investigation, an internal campus-wide inquiry looking into sexual harassment at the university, is being led by the head of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, Professor Bonita Meyersfeld.
It is expected to be wrapped up within two weeks time.
Habib said: “The objective of this second inquiry is to conduct an assessment of the existing policies and procedures of the university, for the purpose of preventing instances of sexual harassment.”
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