SPU SRC president suspended after allegedly assaulting student
THE SOL Plaatje University (SPU) student representative council (SRC) president has been placed on temporary suspension following the alleged assault of a firstyear student.
The accused, Israel Mulovhedzi, was arrested on April 23 and appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on April 25.
It is believed that the student who was allegedly assaulted proceeded to lay criminal charges despite attempts to persuade her not to open any charges.
Police spokesperson Captain Tessa Jansen said the incident took place on April 21, when the 20-year-old complainant opened a case of common assault against her boyfriend, who allegedly assaulted her in a room in Scanlan Street, New Park.
“She sustained minor injuries to her face, neck and fingers. The police arrested the 24-year-old suspect on charges of common assault and domestic violence on April 23. He appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on April 25. The investigation continues,” said Jansen.
The director of Institutional Advancement in the Office of the Vice-chancellor at SPU, Qondakele Sompondo, said the fourth-year student who allegedly assaulted a first-year student at a residence on campus had been placed on temporary suspension.
“He will be suspended as a precautionary measure until the investigation has been finalised. The university wishes to put on record that it does not tolerate violent or criminal behaviour by its staff and students,” said Sompondo.
“The university is aware that the incident was reported to the law enforcement agencies and the alleged perpetrator has been arrested.
“In the interim, the university has instituted an investigation into the matter and will follow its disciplinary procedures and protocols.”
Sompondo added that SPU was committed to ensuring the safety and security of its community.
“We vehemently condemn any form of violence, harassment, intimidation and misconduct of students and staff.”
In a statement, the SA Democratic Teachers
Union (Sadtu) student chapter SPU branch condemned the incident.
“We are deeply saddened and outraged to hear that on Friday morning the SRC president allegedly assaulted a female first-year student who had to be hospitalised as a result of her injuries,” the statement read.
"We are committed to promoting social justice and gender equality and we stand in solidarity with the complainant
and all survivors of GBV.
"We encourage students to report incidents of GBV and to stand together in condemning such despicable acts. While we are not affiliated to the university, we cannot keep quiet about such behaviour. We will continue to advocate for the rights of students, particularly the most vulnerable."
The provincial chairperson of the Northern Cape Moral Regeneration Movement, Reverend Dr Fatima Malo, advised the university to implement a clear policy on GBVF and to conduct proper background checks on students or employees who had been charged with cases of abuse or any type of crime.
“No student must be allowed on the premises who have been charged for abusing women, unless the student has been thoroughly through rehabilitation and is declared rehabilitated by the Department of Justice, psychologist or social worker.”