2 LECTURERS SUSPENDED OVER ASSAULT, RAPE CLAIMS

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.

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