Dylan Bettencourt
A Western Cape Health Department investigation has cleared a University of Cape Town professor who was accused by a student of rape and sexual abuse.
The department said it conducted an investigation into the accusation against the lecturer, who is also an employee of the provincial Department of Health and Wellness.
The probe began after a student claimed anonymously that they were raped by the professor on campus.
The department released a statement confirming due diligence was followed as all identified witnesses were interviewed before a final report was completed.
“The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness views matters relating to any sexual misconduct in a serious light. Hence, the appointment of an independent investigating office,” read the statement.
The statement added that the alleged evidence against the professor had been fabricated.
“The investigating officer’s report, through interviews with witnesses, found that fraudulent claims of rape and sexual harassment had been made and that evidence had been fabricated,” the statement added.
The department revealed that they found no evidence to support the accusations.
It also confirmed that the department openly deals with sexual abuse allegations, but in a way that remains fair to all involved parties.
UCT said the university had launched an internal investigation and offered the student support.
The accusations were put on the Twitter account handle “RAPED@UCT”
The university has not revealed the results of their investigations into the alleged incidents.
Image source: @DailyMaverick
