Investigation into alleged rape incident at DUT

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) says it stands firmly against violence and crime of any kind.

This comes in the wake of an alleged rape incident at the Quarry Road student residence in Durban, where a 19-year-old student recently accused a DUT staff member of sexual assault.

The alleged perpetrator, an employee of the university’s housing complex, was arrested and appeared in court last week.

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DUT stated that it was cooperating fully with the police in the investigation.

The University is aware of the serious allegations and arrest that took place in one of the student residences earlier last week.

“As the case is currently the subject of police investigations, we are unable to comment further at this time,” the university said in a statement.

DUT said it had contacted the student who reported the incident and offered her the necessary support.

Human rights activist Aluta Hambane of the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre said the incident raised safety concerns and made it clear that rape and sexual assault can happen anywhere.

Hambane said universities need to address how they care for vulnerable groups.

I think it is negligent to house men and women in the same dormitory or even to employ key personnel of the opposite sex. Universities need to be made aware of such issues.

Hambane said that as a transgender woman, she experienced the insensitivity of university hostels as a student when she was placed in a male dormitory and expected to share a room with a man.

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“I had to fight for my rights and for what I thought was right. I think universities inevitably turn a blind eye to these issues, but more can be done.”

Hambane said it pained her that despite all the educational work and measures aimed at ending gender-based violence and femicide, women are still victims of abuse on a daily basis.