UPDATE:
Director of Campus Housing and Residence Life Rob Sharman has confirmed via email to Wits Vuvuzela that the attack took place at a student residence off campus.
According to Sharman, the student reported the matter to staff at her residence and was immediately provided with support, including immediate transport to Milpark Hospital.
The matter was then referred to the Sexual Harassment Office at 08:00 the following morning. The student is being provided appropriate counselling and support.
ORIGINAL STORY: PUBLISHED AUGUST 11, 2014 at 18:45 pm
A female Wits student was allegedly “overpowered” and raped in her residence by a male student last week, the Wits Sexual Harassment Office (SHO), has said.
“We note with concern allegations that the male student overpowered the female student despite her clear non-consent to sexual intercourse”, said Sexual Harassment Office director Jackie Dugard.
Dugard could not confirm the details of the case as it is still under investigation and necessary measures are being taken to ensure the students’ confidentiality.
Crime and Prevention and Liaison Manager at Wits Campus Control, Mashudu Lucky Khumela, confirms the female student had approached one of the security officers on campus and asked about the steps a person should take in case they were raped.
“It was only when the female student started crying that they knew that it was her [who was attacked],” said Khumela.
It could not be confirmed whether the female and male student knew each other before the alleged attack. Durgard said her office “haven’t yet spoken to all the parties.”
Dugard would not disclose which residence the attack took place due to concerns over the privacy of the female student.
Sunnyside res house committee member Nonjy Malunga said that there were steps being taken at her residence concerning visitation hours.
Malunga said that signing in time for visitors is usually between 9am to 11pm during the week, and on weekends the curfew is extended to 12pm. “When signing in visitors leave identification and if they don’t have they are not permitted inside”.
The allegations follow another case reported last term involving a student who was raped off campus, by two men not affiliated with the university.
The Sexual Harassment Office is located on the 6th floor of University Corner and can be contacted on (011) 717 9790.
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