Wits appeals for calm amid outrage over alleged rape by SRC member

Wits University has appealed for calm and urged students to to allow the legal process to take its course following the alleged rape of a first-year student.

The call comes after students gathered at the university’s Braamfontein campus demanding justice for the victim, who was allegedly assaulted by a newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC) member over the weekend.

The University has confirmed that the incident was formally reported to the Gender Equity Office (GEO) on Monday night and said it is cooperating with law enforcement authorities.

Protesters held placards calling for the release of CCTV footage from the computer lab where the incident is said to have occurred.

@her.discovery33

#witsuniversity #gbv #justice #wits

♬ original sound – Her.Discovery

Following the demonstration, the university suspended the accused — a fourth-year student — and barred him from campus pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

“Wits University condemns all forms of gender-based harm and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and socially just environment,” stated the university in a statement.

STATEMENT FROM WITS UNIVERSITY ON GENDER BASED HARM

Wits University condemns all forms of gender-based harm and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and socially just environment for all members of our community.

The University has a zero-tolerance… pic.twitter.com/xjEq5mzXZp

— Wits University (@WitsUniversity) November 11, 2025

Wits spokesperson, Shirona Patel, has urged students to let due process unfold, saying the university is pursuing all internal disciplinary steps in line with policy, but cannot launch a criminal investigation until the complainant formally comes forward.

Students gathered last night to show support for the victim, highlighting persistent concerns about gender-based violence (GBV) on campuses and across the country. A protester described the case as a reflection of South Africa’s broader failure to tackle GBV.

@rayyray15

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜#purple #gbvawareness #womenoftiktok #braamfontein #witsuniversity

♬ original sound – SoundKorner

The protest coincided with preparations for a national shutdown organized by Women For Change, demanding that GBV be declared a national disaster. Students voiced their frustration online and on campus, arguing the case highlights South Africa’s ongoing struggle to tackle GBV effectively.

A Wits Female Student allegedly sexually assaulted by SRC member and it is not the first time this SRC member faces such allegations. pic.twitter.com/lt75nYuYyC

— Mlungisi Ntshangase (@Mlu___N2) November 11, 2025

Then people wonder why we even need a campaign in the first place… He must come out so that they can have a talk with him.

— Nthabiseng (@maetsa_kabomo) November 11, 2025

Institutions protect perpetrators to protect their reputation.

Students of the University of the Witwatersrand demand justice. It has been alleged that one of the recently elected members of the Wits SRC, running under the banner of the EFFSC, has sexually assaulted a student. pic.twitter.com/pdkJnJ2sfW

— Missy Ramogane (@MissyMogane) November 10, 2025