Rhodes rape ructions

19 April 2016 - 02:23 By Jerome Cornelius and Aarti J Narsee

An anonymous post on social media has exposed the fault line of what has been called "rape culture" at Rhodes University.The post - on a Facebook page called RU Queer, Confessions, Questions and Crushes - named 11 people it alleged were guilty of rape or sexual assault.On Sunday night a group of students rounded up the alleged offenders on the campus.A few students were detained by the group. One was still being held against his will at 8am yesterday, said university spokesman Catherine Deiner.By yesterday afternoon, the Facebook post had been removed.The Rhodes Confessions group has condemned the posting of the list."It would be grossly irresponsible on our part to circulate harmful or malicious material that can have detrimental legal implications for Rhodents in both their current and future endeavours," said Rhodes Confessions on Facebook."We reiterate, we will not inadvertently be rendered a platform to bully, harass, accuse, prosecute or defame individuals."Sian Ferguson, of Chapter 2.12 - a campaign to address the rape culture at universities - said: "While the rape culture at Rhodes University is a significant problem, this is an issue that exists at most, if not all, universities."The university's vice-chancellor, Sizwe Mabizela, said: "We send a clear and unequivocal message that rape and violence of all forms are unacceptable."..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.