The University of Cape Town (UCT) has decided not to suspend the staff member who allegedly posted on Facebook that he wanted to rape and kill his 2-year-old child while he was suffering from depression.

Vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng said that following a pre-suspension meeting which was held it was decided the lecturer be placed on a compulsory leave of absence on medical grounds.

''We further determined that the necessary interventions will be made available to support him," Phakeng said.

Information

She added that the lecturer had been removed from teaching before he posted the messages.

"The staff member involved had the right to attend the meeting with a union member or an employee representative of his choice," Phakeng said.

She said the staff member made his representations on why he should not be suspended, and all the information presented would be considered.

Support

Phakeng has assured staff, students and parents that the university would urgently act on the matter because it recognised its importance.

She said while the process is followed, necessary support would also be made available to anyone who may need it.