Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela on Monday had the institution’s flag fly at half mast in honour of Khensani Maseko, who took her own life just a couple of months after she was raped.
The 23-year-old student, who was raped allegedly by her then-boyfriend in May, was found dead at her family home in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon. It is thought that she committed suicide.
RU VC Dr Sizwe Mabizela puts the Rhodes flag at half mast in honour of Khensani Maseko. #RIPKhensani pic.twitter.com/GeSJ8QOScn
— Rhodes University (@Rhodes_Uni) August 6, 2018
The University said it would request the South African Police Service and National Prosecuting Authority to initiate an inquest into Maseko’s death and that they would issue an intention to suspend the alleged perpetrator.
Rhodes University to issue an intention to suspend the alleged perpetrator. #RIPKhensaniMaseko
— Rhodes University (@Rhodes_Uni) August 6, 2018
The SRC of which Maseko was a member, has expressed shock at her sudden passing. She was also a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command.
Students from the University posted tributes on social media for the third-year BA student, who many said was never the same after the attack.
This one cut deep. Lady Justice, Khensani Maseko was too young, too bright, too powerful, too alive. We keep dying. We keep bowing out prematurely because this world just won’t let us breathe.
Rest easy baby… I’m so sorry💔 pic.twitter.com/e6nKEh60Ph
— Babes Womzabalazo (@NalediChirwa) August 4, 2018
Khensani Maseko took her own life yesterday because she was RAPED. An entire human being waking up and deciding that it’s her last day on earth because a man thought he had ownership to her womanhood. Men are fuckin disgusting maan 😷💔💔
— Money Calls Me Mommy (@Dineo_Em) August 4, 2018
I wish I had the words to hold your pain.
Lala ngoxolo Khensani Maseko. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1zHV1JRzGe
— Panashe Chigumadzi (@PanasheChig) August 5, 2018
Rest In Power Comrade✊🏽
Khensani Maseko ❤
You always believed in me. I wish you were still here to see me chase my dreams 💔😔
We’ll meet again. Watch over Goku. Protect us all pic.twitter.com/ZH1ktgga4M
— The Ultimate (@TheUltimate_ZA) August 4, 2018
– African News Agency (ANA); Edited by Moses Mudzwiti
