Rapists, sex pests prowl varsities

Campus parties used for sexual predation

Female students at universities around the country believe that rape culture and sexual assault on campuses are on the rise and under-reported.

Yesterday, a group of Wits University students held the #brokethesilence campaign, with students clad in black clothes outside the Great Hall.

One of the protesters, a 23year-old woman who asked to remain anonymous, said firstyear students were mostly the targets. “Rape can happen to anyone but these perpetrators usually target first years.

“They take you to a party where you get your drink spiked, only to wake up next to some guy you are not even in a relationship with,” she said.

“In such instances, you’re too scared to report the case, thinking about your reputation.”

On Easter weekend, a male student was arrested and is now facing a rape charge after he allegedly raped a fellow student at their residences.

Wits University gender equity and cultural officer Hlengiwe Mhlongo said there were 10 rape cases reported since the beginning of the year. The cases were also reported to police.

“We also have students who are coming out ... who’ve been scared to report these cases before. We will look into that and find a way to assist them.

“When a rape case has been reported to us, we keep the victims at the safe house and even provide them with legal assistance,” Mhlongo said.

Thabile Lekwane, a student activist at the University of Johannesburg, said only one rape case was reported to them this year. “This is devastating as rape cases are not supposed to happen at all at our residential places. The institution needs to employ more security personnel.”