Times Of Swaziland: 2 LECTURERS SUSPENDED OVER ASSAULT, RAPE CLAIMS

2 LECTURERS SUSPENDED OVER ASSAULT, RAPE CLAIMS
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Stanley Khumalo and Sibusiso Zwane on 28/03/2019 11:35:00


MATSAPHA – Two male lecturers have been suspended at the University of
Eswatini (UNESWA), Kwaluseni Campus, for allegedly assaulting female students,
physically and sexually.
The suspended lecturers are from the Faculty of Science and Engineering and are
both known to this publication but their identities will be concealed pending
the conclusion of the investigations. Professor Justice Thwala, the Vice
Chancellor of UNESWA, said the institution had suspended the two male lecturers
following allegations implicating the duo in the assault of students. Thwala
said last week Wednesday and Thursday, his office received allegations that two
male members of the academic personnel had assaulted students, physically and
sexually.
The accusations against the two lecturers were filed with the office of the Dean
of Student Affairs (DSA) – who then communicated them to the office of the
vice chancellor. The first report comprised of allegations insinuating that a
lecturer physically assaulted a pregnant female student while the subsequent
information received was that of another lecturer, who allegedly raped a
student. Professor Thwala said the reports from the DSA were detailed as the
students, their guardians and the police were involved. Both matters are still
being investigated by the police.
Submission
Following the submission of the claims of abuse by the students to the office of
the DSA, the vice chancellor said the administration of the institution held a
meeting with its Senate. As an institution, Thwala said they condemned any form
of abuse as their aim was to give students a new experience, so that they
enjoyed learning through engagement. He said the administration of the
institution had a vision of being a university of choice in the region. “It is
regrettable when we receive reports that our staff are abusing students; we
condemn it with full sincerity,” the vice chancellor said.  Thwala said the
lecturers were suspended with full pay pending the completion of the
investigations by law enforcers.