Statement from Professor Habib pertaining to rape case at Wits Junction residence complex
19 November 2016 - Wits University
The rape complaint at the Wits Junction Residence has made national headlines in the last few days.
There have been many allegations and counter allegations made in the media and particularly on social media. It has also been suggested that University structures and managers did not respond timeously and sensitively to the complainant’s concerns.
The University has already released a statement informing the University community and the broader public that this matter is under investigation. Yesterday, I had a lengthy conversation with the complainant and her mother to hear about the incident and how the University’s official structures responded to her complaint.
I particularly enquired about her experience of the Office of Residence Life, Student Affairs and the Gender Equity Office regarding her complaint. She explained that some individuals engaged with her more effectively than others, and while some were extremely helpful and sensitive to her needs, others had not been equally responsive to her situation. This suggests that it may be that particular processes and procedures of the University have not been fully complied with by certain individuals in these circumstances.