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A view of the Upper Campus of the University of Cape Town, seen from the other side of the rugby fields. // Image: Wikimedia Commons / Adrian Frith

UCT: Two students suspended following recent sexual assault allegations

One student is a respondent in a sexual assault case, while the other UCT student is suspended for involvement. They are both barred from campus.

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A view of the Upper Campus of the University of Cape Town, seen from the other side of the rugby fields. // Image: Wikimedia Commons / Adrian Frith

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has suspended two students with immediate effect regarding recent allegations of sexual assault. 

According to a university statement that was sent out on Friday, one student is a respondent in a sexual assault case, while the second is suspended for his involvement in the case. Both have been barred from campus and their suspension does not extend to participation in online academic activities either.

UCT STUDENTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SUBMISSIONS 

UCT said the students have an opportunity to make submissions on why this order should not be made final at a hearing to be convened within 72 hours of the provisional order. 

“If the order is made final, the respondents have a further opportunity to lodge an appeal. Any notice of appeal does not suspend the effect of the suspension order unless the appeal is successful,” it said in a statement. 

According to the UCT sexual misconduct policy, a suspension notice serves as a protective measure issued without prejudice to the respondent to protect a complainant from gender-based violence (GBV) whether or not a formal disciplinary process is instituted or contemplated. 

“It further allows the university to investigate and resolve the complaint. A suspension notice is not a punitive measure but rather a protective measure for the complainant or the respondent,” added UCT. 

SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS INVESTIGATED BY SPECIAL TRIBUNAL 

UCT said the suspension is imposed while the matter is being fully investigated by the Special Tribunal. The university will ensure that due process is followed and that the matter is concluded as speedily as possible.

“UCT continues to provide support through the Office for Inclusivity and Change (OIC), whose staff have specialist skills in responding to allegations such as these,” it said. 

Any student or staff member who has experienced sexual assault or sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is encouraged to contact the OIC for assistance. The OIC offers survivors immediate comprehensive survivor care and support; assistance with lodging complaints and laying a charge with the South African Police Service (SAPS); and an online portal where survivors and/or those close to them can report incidents of sexual assault or SGBV.

Anyone who has experienced sexual assault or SGBV, or is aware of such an incident, should use the channels provided by UCT and SAPS. These channels include the Campus Protection Services (CPS), which works closely with the OIC in cases of sexual assault or SGBV.

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