UWC suspends student who allegedly stabbed a CPUT student

A 30-year-old University of the Western Cape (UWC) student facing an attempted murder charge for a gender-based violence incident in which he allegedly stabbed his partner has been suspended from campus and all residences.

This was confirmed by the university, at an urgent vice-rector's tribunal called on Monday by the office of the proctor.

In a statement, UWC said the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Student Development and Support, Professor Matete Madiba, presided over the Tribunal and she suspended the student after hearing and viewing evidence.

‘’The Proctor argued that the perpetrator was a danger to fellow students and must be removed from all UWC-associated spaces with immediate effect. The University condemns the action and there cannot be any justification for such cruelty. We wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of the victim who is fighting for her life in hospital, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,’’ read the statement.

The suspect has since been arrested, placed under police guard in hospital and is expected to appear in court soon.

UWC said over the past seven months it had come together with CPUT, Northlink College, the neighbourhood watch, the community policing forum in Belhar and SAPS. The parties committed to working together to address the safety and security of students.

‘’CPUT is our neighbour and students have always interacted and related to each other politically, culturally and socially for so many years. It is therefore important that this relationship assists in many practical ways to address the scourge of gender-based violence and other societal ills.’’

Ironically, a day before the incident occurred, UWC students marched against GBV and submitted a Memorandum of Grievances to the Executive Management of the University.

‘’There are cases that the Office of the Proctor is busy investigating and these are being prioritised because UWC has a zero tolerance approach to GBV. The University rules are applied without fear or favour and the investigators must be allowed to complete their investigations. It is important to conduct our expression of anger and activism within the prescripts of the law,’’ said the university.

 

Done By: Esona Mfazwe