Musawenkosi Gcabashe Mavuso on the Run After Sexually Assaulting First-Year Student at Wits University Library

A student leader at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg has gone on the run after allegedly sexually assaulting a first-year student inside the university’s library, sparking outrage and student protests on campus.

The suspect, identified as Musawenkosi Gcabashe Mavuso, is a third-year Bachelor of Education student and a member of the Student Representative Council (SRC). He is also reportedly affiliated with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Student Command political organization.

According to reports, the 20-year-old victim alleged that Mavuso sexually assaulted her on Friday evening around 8:30 p.m. inside the Wits library. In a statement shared on social media, the survivor detailed the traumatic experience and said she had reported the incident to Campus Control, who later confirmed they had reviewed CCTV footage related to the alleged assault.

The victim described experiencing severe emotional distress in the aftermath, saying she has been left feeling suicidal and unable to focus on her exams. Her statement has prompted widespread condemnation across social media and among student organizations, many of whom have called for Mavuso’s immediate arrest and permanent expulsion from the university.

The case has reignited conversations about sexual violence on South African campuses, an issue that has long plagued universities across the country.

On Sunday, Wits students organized a protest outside Mavuso’s residence, demanding accountability and justice for the victim. Demonstrators called for stronger institutional action and accused the university of not doing enough to protect survivors.

While early reports indicated that Mavuso had fled following the allegations, it has since been reported that police detained him for questioning. Authorities have not yet confirmed formal charges, but investigations are ongoing.

Wits University has yet to release an official statement on the matter, though student leaders and activists continue to demand transparency and a firm response from the administration.

The incident has deeply shaken the Wits community, highlighting once again the urgent need for safer environments for students and stronger systems of accountability for those accused of abuse.